There was no quick goal to follow, as both teams settled into the game, though it was Nigeria who had firmer grip of the match, confidently distributing play and forcing their East Asian opponents to sit deep with an eye on counter attacks.
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Nigeria celerate one of Ebeto’s four goals.
The Super Eagles retook the lead a minute later with the first of Etebo’s four goals, but Takumi Minamino then had Japan level again seconds after kick-off.
Japan responded with a goal of their own three minutes later when a penalty kick was given after Stanley Amuzie fouled Shoya Nakajima in the penalty area.
Coach Samson Siasia admitted that his boys had not been at their best in Friday’s 5-4 victory over Japan but heaped praise on them for overcoming fatigue and securing maximum points.
In the game Nigeria vs. Japan in a minute Etebo restored Nigeria’s lead, scheming a very high cross with his chest before unleashing a half volley to Kushibiki’s goal.
Abdullahi Shehu was able to deliver a attractive cross into the area which found Etebo, who perfectly chested it down and was able to find the back of the net to give Nigeria the 2-1 lead in the 10 minute.
Veteran forward Teofilo Gutierrez opened the scoring at the 17th minute off an assist from forward Dorlan Pabon, but the Swedes were able to equalize two minutes before halftime with a strike from Mikael Ishak.
Less than five minutes into the second half, Nigeria would earn a penalty after Umar was dragged down in the box by a Japanese defender. Etebo completed his hat trick after 50 minutes, calmly slotting home his fourth to make it 5-2 on 65 minutes.
Japan scored their third through Takuma Asano in the 70th minute and Musashi Suzuki scored a late goal in the 90th minute.
He said: “On behalf of the government and people of our great country, I wish to express my support to our athletes who have arrived in Rio for the 2016 Olympic Games”.
The whole debacle stems from the Nigerian Sports Ministry not organizing the team’s transportation from Atlanta to Manaus, the location of the team’s first match.
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They will hope to get some needed rest before facing Sweden in their next game in Manaus on Sunday.
