Preview: Nigeria vs Germany (Rio Olympics)

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John Obi Mikel

Germany got into the Rio Olympics tournament for the first time since 1988 and will try to go all the way to the final.

However, the star-studded team has to survive their semi-final match against surprise team of the tournament Nigeria on Wednesday, August 17, at the Arena Corinthians in São Paulo.

Nigeria was not expected to reach this stage by pre-Olympics predictions after they were included in a tough Group B  against strong teams Colombia, Japan, and Sweden.

Things got really bad for the team as players and officials were stranded for three days before being airlifted by American Delta Airline to Manaus, venue of their first group game against Japan, just hours to the game.

But according to team’s captain, John Obi Mikel, the problem in Atlanta, made the team stronger.

He said: “It was a bit frustrating coming down here, but while we were in Atlanta we knew that we had a good shot at getting to the final or winning the tournament.

“With the problems we have had getting to this stage, it is just absolutely amazing and we just have to keep going.’’

The Dream Team VI defeated Japan and Sweden 5-4 and 1-0 respectively, before losing their final Group B game to Colombia 2-0. They defeated Denmark to secure a semi-final ticket for today’s showdown.

On the other hand, Germany are the highest scoring side at the Olympics. They have scored 19 goals, conceding just five.

Their star man, Serge Gnabry has scored six goals in four matches and will hope to drive his country on to the final.

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Serge Gnabry celebrating a goal with his teammates

The Arsenal youngster is the highest goal scorer at the Olympics, scoring in every game the Germans have played (the only player to have done so).

The team drew with Mexico to open its tournament before tying Korea Republic 3-3. In its final group game, the team managed 10 goals against Fiji in a 10-0 win. But that was nothing compared to the team’s 4-0 thrashing of a solid Portuguese side in the quarterfinal.

Nigeria has been excellent in this tournament, so have the Germans. This should be the more entertaining of the two matches of the semi-finals. Although, Nigeria’s highest goal scorer Oghenekaro Etebo is still doubtful for this one, the African champions will fancy their chances against the European giants.