NIG 0-2 Germany|Mikel, others lose final ticket

John Obi Mikel and his Nigeria U-23 teammates Wednedsay night failed in their bid to qualify for the finals of the men’s football event of the Rio Olympics as they lost 2-0 to Germany
A first half strike from Lukas Klostermann and a late addition from Petersen was all the Germans needed to set up a final clash against hosts, Brazil who demolished Honduras in the other semi final contest.

The Germans dictated the pace of the game right from the blast of the whistle and expolited the Nigeria defence at regular intervals.
It was not surprising when they took the lead after nine minutes through big defender Klostermann, who steered home a low cross from the right.
However, Nigeria were gifted a big chance by the German goalkeeper to equalize three minutes later when his poor clearance fell to Sadiq Umar inside the box, but he the Roma younsgter fluffed the chance.
In the second half, Germany started on the front foot with Gnabry continuing on with his positive form from the first half. He had a shot on goal saved by Nigeria goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel in the 58th minute. Daniel did well to get low and parry the effort out for a corner kick to prevent his side from going two goals down.
In the end, Germany did enough to frustrate Nigeria, preventing the African side from having any clear-cut goalscoring opportunities.
Substitute Nils Petersen then made sure of Germany’s spot in Saturday’s final when he latched onto a low cross from forward Davie Selke in the 89th minute.
While Germany are guaranteed their best-ever finish at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament, Nigeria will look to add to their history of medals at the tournament when they go for bronze against Honduras in Belo Horizonte on Saturday.