Ticket To Beijing

Nigeria’s U-23 team book their passage to the male soccer event of the Beijing Olympic Games

By Kelvin Keshi

An own goal sandwiched by one each from Taye Taiwo and the debuting Victor Anichebe blew South Africa away and ensured Nigeria’s partcipation in the male football event of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The match, played last Wednesday at the National Stadium, Abuja, had make or break written on it.

Weeks before the match, Nigerians had looked forward to the encounter and last group match with great anxiety. This was because the U-23 team needed an outright victory over their South African counterparts (Amagluglug) to ensure an eight-point haul, one better than Ghana’s tally and leave the Black Meteors with no chance. Also, an Olympic qualification at the expense of Ghana was some sort of revenge for Nigeria, given the Super Eagles’ defeat by the Black Stars at the last African Cup of Nations.

Preparations for the match were boosted by Coach Samson Siasia’s success in reining in the big egos in the team, with the notable exception of Chelsea star, John Mikel Obi.  Everton striker, Anichebe, who came in as a second half substitute for a long waited appearance, stood out on his debut.

The Everton youngster connected a through ball from the Nigerian midfield brilliantly and forced his way past two South African defenders before beating the keeper in the 88th minute.

Anichebe, who was born 18 years ago in Lagos, is a product of the Everton academy. In April 2006, he signed a two-year professional contract with Everton and has since made an impression in the first team. He was subsequently rewarded with an extended four-year contract.

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