Nigeria v Germany | 4 players to watch

Frederik Borsting of Denmark competes for the ball with Stanley Amuzie of Nigeria

It will be a clash of styles between the hard working and tactically organised Europeans, Germany come up against the flair-laden but sometimes technically unsound Nigerians.

The fans in Sao Paulo will be hoping for a repeat of these teams’ first matches in the tournament. Nigeria beat Japan 5-4 while Germany scored five and conceded five in their first two games.
We look at four players from both sides that can make the difference.

Aminu Umar of Nigeria celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal against Denmark

Nigeria
Sadiq Umar
Umar has been one of the best things to happen to Nigerian football in the last 12 months. The 19-year-old rangy Roma striker has all in his arsenal to become the new ‘Rashidi Yekini’. He is blessed with quick movement and an upper-body strength that is not allied to his slight frame.
Muhammed Usman
He is not given enough credit for the work he does in midfield but not starting against Colombia showed how important he is to the team’s play in general. The 22-year-old is the engine of this team and he will put in the shift to ensure that the opponent is kept in check. He also has great offensive qualities and a stinging shot.

Ezekiel of Nigeria in action during the Men’s Football Quarterfinal match at Arena Fonte Nova Stadium

Imoh Ezekiel
Imoh Ezekiel has been the buzz on which the Nigerian attack has been built. Stocky, with a low centre of gravity, the 22-year-old loanee at Anderlecht will be the focus after creating goals against Japan and Denmark. He needs the tournament so that he can export his qualities from Qatar to mainland Europe.

John Obi Mikel (L) of Nigeria vies for the ball with Jakob Blabjerg (C) of Denmark

Mikel Obi
The ‘Odogwu’ of the side – his influence has been palpable, both on and off the pitch. The 29-year-old, who should have represented Nigeria at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, is seemingly making up for lost time. If Nigeria are to progress to the final then Mikel would be the catalyst.
Germany

Sven Bender
The steel in midfield and the enforcer of the way Hrubesch wants the game to be played. The Bayer Leverkusen man will keep things ticking away nicely and if he is needed to take a yellow card for the team, he would be more than obliged to take the responsibility.
Mattias Ginter
The rock in defence will have a battle on his hands with Sadiq Umar and he will also be a target in the opposition area during set pieces. The 22-year-old plays for Borussia Dortmund and has shown in Rio that he can step up when needed.

Julian Brandt
The tricky winger has provided seven assists in Rio even though he is yet to get on the score sheet.
Highly mobile and a technical worker between the lines, the likes of Usman Mohammed and Mikel Obi have to have their wits about them or else the Bayer Leverkusen would cause collateral damage.

Serge Gnabry
The Arsenal player is one of the major reasons that Germany are still in Brazil. His six goals spread over the four matches has shown a player that has grown with the Olympic experience. He likes to attack from the left flank so that balls fall on his favoured right foot.