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Kickoff is set for 11pm Nigeria time (Sunday).
Overview
Nigeria began their Olympic campaign with an entertaining 5-4 win over Japan and will be keen to continue their momentum when they face Sweden on Sunday. Despite arriving in Brazil just six hours prior to kick-off, the Super Eagles remained focused and dispatched the Asian U23 champions, in a game that saw both teams struggle defensively.
Samson Siasia's side had Oghenekaro Etebo to thank after the midfielder scored four of Nigeria's five goals. They will be hoping to tighten up at the back when they face Sweden on Sunday, after conceding four goals against Japan. Nigeria won their only gold medal 20 years ago at Atlanta 1996, following which they have managed just one silver medal, which was at Beijing 2008.
Sweden, meanwhile, played out a 2-2 draw against Colombia in their opening encounter and sit in the second place on the table two points behind Nigeria. The Swedes are only making their second appearance, with their previous outing coming in the 1992 games in Barcelona when they were knocked out in the quarter-finals.
It is the first time Nigeria and Sweden are meeting in the Olympics, but the Swedes hold an advantage in the head-to-head record between the two nations.
Mikel on Saturday attributed the Nigeria U-23 victory over Japan in their first group match to the goodwill of Nigerians who were solidly behind the team and the grace of God while he also remains positive that the same spirit will see the team through.
Given their arrival to the venue a few hours before the game, many gave an outside chance of winning the match, the best they hoped on was a draw but Mikel inspired his mates to post a dramatic 5-4 win over the Japanese.
“We thank God and millions of Nigerians who stayed awake till late to cheer us. It was not an easy match, we are grateful for their goodwill and support that gave us victory, our focus is now on the next match against Sweden’’ said Mikel.
Nigeria will play Sweden on Sunday at 11pm at the 40, 549 capacity Arena da Amazonia, Manaus, the same stadium where they defeated Japan.
The defence featuring William Troost-Ekong, Sincere Seth and Stanley Amuzie were out of their depth against Japan.
Amuzie, gave away a penalty, that aided the Japanese fight back. However, after training on Friday the players showed some promise. But how they cope with the Swedes who made Colombia sweat for their equaliser remains to be seen. Their strikers Mikael Ishak and Astrit Ajdarevic were on target in the 2-2 opening day draw with Colombia.
But Nigerians can expect another fluid movements from strikers Oghenkaro Etebo and Roma youngster Sadiq Umar. The Roma player made a bright start to his foray with the team with a goal and also provided an assist and won a penalty.
Nigeria currently atop of Group B with three points while opponents Sweden hold a point after 2-2 opening draw against Colombia.
In the other Group B clash, Japan face Colombia at the Arena Amazonia, Manaus.
Nigeria Players to watch
Etebo Oghenekaro
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| Etebo Oghenekaro |
20 years Old Etebo Oghenekaro was a thorn in the flesh of the Japanese team in Nigeria's opening match. The former Warri Wolves striker scored 4 goals in the match as Nigeria won 5-4. Watch out for him to continue his forward dazzling run against Sweden tonight.
Sadiq Umar
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| Sadiq Umar |
Sadiq Umar forward runs and hold up play was like a hot iron for the Japanese side to handle. Expect the As Roma striker to continue his brilliant run today. He is 6 feet 6 inches tall and is always a threat when it comes to aerial balls.
I have been following him right from his time in the As Roma academy and I know what he can offer.
Captain Mikel Obi
Mikel experience will be needed against the Swedish team tonight who also boost of an experience defence marshaled by Milosevic. Against Japan Mikel played in an attacking position in the midfield.
If coach Samson Siasia can heed to my plea and deploy him to his preferable defensive midfield position, it will go a long way to help protect the defense marshaled by William Troost Ekong
William Troost-Ekong
Against Japan William Troost-Ekong looked shaky. But I can pardon him because he was the first player to move to Brazil from his base in Belgium. So he hardly trained with the team during their camping in Atlanta.
He flew to Brazil on the 24th of July ahead of Nigeria's first match which was played on the 5th of August against Japan. I expect him to be more stable against Sweden tonight as he should be more accustomed with his teammates by now.
My Prediction
Nigeria to book their place in the knockout stages.
Team News
Nigeria – possible XI: Akpeyi (GK) ; Shehu, Madu, Amuzie, Troost-Ekong ; Mikel, Etebo, Mohammed ; Junior, Ezekiel, Umar.
Sweden – possible XI: Linde (GK); Milosevic, Lundqvist, Konate, Nilsson; Tibbling, Khalili -Tankovic , Ajdarevic, Quaison; Ishak
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