2016 Olympics: Dream Team VI crashes at German wall: 0-2

•To play Honduras for bronze medal

 

 Germany yesterday halted Nigeria’s gold medal hope at the ongoing Rio 2016 Olympic games in Brazil after the European sides U 23 team defeated the Samson Siasia tutored Nigerian side 2 - 0 in Brazil.

The Germans have dictated the pace of the game and deserved their lead after nine minutes through big defender Lukas Klostermann, who steered home a low cross from the right.

However, Nigeria lost a big opportunity to draw levels when it was gifted by the German goalkeeper to equalize three minutes later when his poor clearance fell to Sadiq Umar inside the box, but he blocked the effort.

In the 20th minute, Nigeria goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel made a point-blank save off Lars Bender to keep his team in the game.

And on half of the hour, Sadiq Umar and then Mikel could not capitalize on another slip by the German defence.

But Germany create the better chances in the first half – skipper Meyer saw his shot from outside the box miss target not by much and two minutes later, Selke’s shot from top of the box was firmly held by the Nigeria goalie.

 

In the 42nd minute, Selke failed to get a good touch to another low cross from the right with Troost-Ekong breathing down his neck, before Gnabry failed to make the most of another good chance minutes later.

In first half stoppage time, Sadiq Umar put Aminu through on goal, only for a German tackle right inside the box put the ball out for a corner.

The German confirmed Nigeria exit from the gold medal game when striker Nils Peterson sealed the U23 team hope with an 88th munite goal to book a final gold medal clash with host Brazil on Saturday.

The Dream Team VI has however not been out of the contention for what would look like Nigeria’s only medal at the games as it will now battle Honduras for the bronze medal match on Saturday.