The Olympians

Nigeria’s ecstatic coach Samson Siasia said: “It was unbelievable. You just have to look at the scoreboard. We are going for gold.”

The Nigerians, with the inherited experience of six Olympics, pressed the attack and a sustained pressure resulted in the opener. The Belgian defence failed to clear the ball and it fell to Adefemi inside the box and he slotted it underneath the diving Logan Bailly.

The Africans got the all-important second goal after 59 minutes, but they were fortunate as Ogbuke Obasi looked to be offside when Everton’s Victor Anichebe fed him the ball.

The match was put beyond doubt with 18 minutes remaining when Obinna laid off the ball to a rampaging Ogbuke Obasi, who hit a powerful strike from 25m that gave Bailly no chance.

A long-range effort from Okonkwo in the 78th minute added to Belgium’s misery.

(excerpts star,kl)