Rio 2016: Five reasons Nigeria lost to Germany

The Dream Team’s 0-2 defeat to Germany has certainly shattered the hopes of the national U-23 team in getting a gold medal at the Rio Olympics.

In the whole duration of the match Nigeria remained second best in all departments as the German came into the match with a disciplined game plan.

Here are the five reasons Nigeria lost to Germany

1. Lost the midfield battle: The closely contested match was won in the midfield as the Germans dominated all proceedings at the center where they beat the Dream Team to their fluent passing game.

Nigeria’s Mikel Obi vs Germany in the semi-finals

Every German was involved in the midfield duel and made sure they did not give the African Champions space to operate especially wrestling down the might of Mikel.

2. Azubuike’s absence: Ndifreke Udo stood in for suspended Azubuike and it took no time to realize the deep hole in the midfield area as the 19-year-old could not fit into the shoes of the missing general.

Mikel closed down by Lars Bender

This deficiency gave Mikel more job to do as the German capitalized on the Nigeria’s weakness where they won the balls and spread passes that forced the Dream Team to re-group on several occasions.

3. Too many mistakes: After the Germans had forced the U-23 side in making too many errors, the confidence of the team dwindled as it never looked like the sparkling and entertaining Siasia side.

Amuzie and Selke struggle for the ball

Shehu and Amuzie who have both been brilliant so far in the tournament could not get into the game as too many faulty passes tired the exciting Imoh Ezekiel and Umar upfront.

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4. The final third: The only meaningful chance Nigeria had in the match was Mikel’s brilliant effort which was forced into a corner after the captain brilliantly displaced two players.

Germany scores against Nigeria after the defence went to sleep

Ezekiel had a bad day,Sadiq Umar was isolated and the worst player of the night Aminu Umar was nowhere to be found only who created only just one anxious moment in the first half.

5. A traditional technically gifted German side: With all sincerity Nigeria could not match up with the technical masterclass of the young German side all through the match. The Bender brothers, Gnarbry and Selke were all outstanding for the Germans.

Gnarbry was brilliant on the night as he froced fine save from Daniel

The Europeans clipped the wings of the Eagles in all departments and forced fine saves from Emmanuel Daniel who was kept busy all night.

Siasia disappointed after Nigeria’s loss to Germany

Above all, it was unfortunate that Etebo’s injury limited Nigeria’s chances in qualifying into the finals and the jinx on Siasia continues as the highly rated coach has failed again to win at the world stage.

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