Nigeria defeated Honduras 3-2 to win the Rio 2016 men’s Olympics football at the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte on Saturday evening.
Pinto Jorge Luis’ side entered Saturday’s game hoping to restore some pride following a 6-0 semi-final drubbing against hosts Brazil.
However, they were undermined as Sadiq Umar’s brace and Aminu Umar strike ensured Samson Siasia’s side took the dubious honour of finishing third, though Anthony Lozano and Marcelo Pereira almost caused a scare with their second half strikes.
The Dream Team VI started on a brilliant note but Aminu failed to put his side ahead with his effort hitting the woodwork after connecting to a pass from impressive John Obi Mikel.
Three minutes later, the Central Americans had their first chance at goal when goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel was forced to make a fine save from Alberth Elis’ effort. Not too long, Daniel was called to order by Ellis after another defensive mishap.
Siasia’s side took the lead in the 34th minute when Umar beat goalkeeper Luis Lopez after Obi had dribbled past three defenders with Aminu doubling the lead four minutes from half time.
Nigeria took a three-goal lead when AS Roma’s Umar completed his brace in 56 minute. Even at this, that did not deter Pinto Luis’s boys as they launched a comeback.
First, it was substitute Lozano pulled one back on 71 minutes, before Pereira headed home Oscar Salas’ free-kick.
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