Nigeria started on the front foot within the early minutes of the game holding possession and putting pressure on Sweden’s defense. Nigeria almost took the lead as forward Sadiq Umar got in on goal against Swedish goalkeeper Andreas Linde, but the keeper was up to the challenge.
In the 23rd minute Sweden had its best scoring opportunities also during the first half as Mikael Ishak made a run behind Nigeria’s backline, but his shot went wide of the goal target.
Although Sweden had few chances in the rest of the half ,Nigeria had already established control in the match.
Nigeria’s foreward Oghenekaro Etebo, also had a golden opportunity in the 36th minute as Imoh Ezekiel found Etebo wide open in the box, but he sent his header just over a bit over the crossbar.
Just a few minutes later Umar put Nigeria in front when Stanley Amuzie sent in a curling cross to him who placed his header past the Swedish goalkeeper.
Early into the second half Nigeria made multiple attempts at the Swedish netbeing fuelled by their opening goal.
First, Nigerian captain John Obi Mikel sent a hard strike toward the goal. Then, minutes later, Linde got his fingertips to an Etebo shot that was heading for goal.
Despite the small margin of victory, Nigeria dominated Sweden throughout. Nigeria had 10 shots on goal compared to Sweden’s one and held 56 percent of the possession.
Next up for Nigeria is its final group stage match against Colombia on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. ET. Sweden plays its next match on the same day and time against Japan.
I know it’s too early but maybe, just maybe something similar to Atlanta 96 magic may repeat itself? I’m hopeful, go team Nigeria Go!
I’m hopeful too, way to go Team Nigeria!