Half - Time Report : Etebo Bags Brace, Sadiq Umar Stars As Nigeria Lead 3-2 Over Japan

In an entertaining encounter,  Nigeria leads Japan 3-2 at halftime in a Group B match of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

A double from Oghenekaro Etebo and Umar Sadiq’s rebounded effort puts the African champions at the ascendancy.

 In the space of six minutes, the thriller procured four goals.

Nigeria scored first through AS Roma youngster Umar who cashed in on a rebound from Imoh Ezekiel’s goal-bound shot.

It was one-all two minutes after thanks to Shinzo Koroki’s goal from the penalty spot after Stanley Amuzie was penalized for a poor tackle in the box.

Etebo restored the advantage for Nigeria before Japan drew level yet again thanks to Takumi Minamino who placed the ball underneath Emmanuel Daniel.

Amuzie then tried to atone for his earlier error with a powerful drive with his left foot in the 20th minute.

Moments after the flat footed Shehu Abdullahi almost gave the Japanese a gift but Nigeria’s blushes was spared.

There was still one more goal in the intriguing battle and it was Umar who spotted Etebo. The former Warri Wolves forward unleashed a perfect finish.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : thenff.com