How Nigeria Defeated Japan In Brazil Despite Arriving Few Hours Before The Game Started

Nigerian Players Jubilating after Etebo Scored

Nigeria’s men’s football team known as the ‘Dream Team VI’, made an extraordinary start to the 2016 Rio Olympics, defeating Japan 5-4 in Manaus few hours after landing in Brazil following a torrid journey from the United States .


Recall the Dream Team VI were stranded in Atlanta for days amid a bizarre saga that saw flights cancelled because of missed payments and because a plane was too small, before eventually taking off on the morning of the game.

The team eventually landed in Manaus at 2:19 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, with the game against Japan beginning at 9 p.m.

Howbeit, despite the initial travel challenges, the Dream Team VI produced a magnificent display to sink Japan.

Sadiq Umar put Nigeria ahead just five minutes in, before Shinzo Koroki equalized moments later from the penalty spot. Oghenakaro Etobo put the African side back in front, only for Takumi Minamino to again make things all square.
Dream Team VI vs Japan.
 
But when Etebo put Nigeria back in front after 41 minutes the tone was set. The Warri Wolves striker then completed his hat trick after 50 minutes, calmly slotting home his fourth to make it 5-2 on 65 minutes.

With this, many had thought the game will finish 5-2, only for Nigeria to lose concentration due to fatique, a situation which the Japanese capitalized on as Takuma Asano pulled one back with 20 minutes to go, and Musashi Suzuki narrowed the gap to one deep into injury time.

Despite their late arrival for the game, the Dream Team VI went on to win the game 5-4 to finish off a remarkable, and exhausting day for a team whose plight captured international attention and sympathy.