Etebo Shines As Nigeria Defeat Japan 5 - 4

The Nigerian Dream Team saw off a technically sound Japanese side 5 goals to 4

Sadiq Umar put Nigeria ahead just five minutes into the game, before Shinzo Koroki equalized moments later from the penalty spot. 

Oghenakaro Etobo put the the dream team back in front, only for Takumi Minamino to equalize yet again.

But when Etebo put Nigeria back in front after 41 minutes the tone was set. 

Nigeria's Etebo Rejoicing after scoring one of his goals

Etebo completed his hat trick  from the penalty spot after 50 minutes, and then calmly slotting home his fourth to make it 5-2 on 65 minutes.

There was still time for some late drama though, as Nigerian legs, not surprisingly, faded late. 

Takuma Asano pulled one back with 20 minutes to go, and Musashi Suzuki narrowed the gap to one deep into injury time

It was expected that the teams journey to the games (being stranded at Atlanta, USA and only landing in Brazil at 2:19 pm for the match which was played at 9 pm) would affect their performance negatively but the team showed great courage and where in high spirits from the blow of the whistle.


Stand out performances from Etebe, the scorer of 4 goals and Sadiq Umar, the lone striker who terrorized the oppositions defense through out the game.