OlympicsFootball Final- Nigerians Roar Argentina Must Crash

Will history repeat itself in Nigeria U-23 beating Argentina, or the spirit of revenge invoked by the South Americans would prevail.

Nigeria U-23 will take on Argentina, who handed arch rival Brazil 3-0 in the second semi finals to book their place in the final cracker of the Male football event at the ongoing Beijing Olympic Games in Far East China

A Kanu Nwankwo inspired U-23 came from behind to deny Argentina victory at the final of the Atlanta Olympic games in 1996.

Abdulgafar Oladimeji went to town in the ancient city of Kano, sough ting the views of the football loving populace in the Pyramid city.

Excerpts are distinct views on the game



Usman Sanda – Coach Dabo Babes Football Club- National Amateur Divison One

My feeling about the Olympic games male football final coming up on Saturday morning is this, I am sure by the grace of God we would win against Argentina, Siasia is a good tactician, we have quality players, good midfielders, in the likes of Sani Keita, a very good attacking row in Osaze, Obasi, Nsofor and Anichebe.
Am convinced Nigeria will win the encounter.
Isha Allahu.

Abdulkadir Abdullahai a.k.a Owolabi- Official- Jigawa Goldent Stars Supporters Club

In my opinion our U-23 team will humiliate the Argentine s 3goals to nil. Insha Allah
With the way Siasia is handling the team, we can only achieve our objective which is winning the gold medal, we boast of quality players in the team, though, our attackers need to do more in their finishing touches.
I appeal to the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to reward these lads for the good job done, when they return home from China, where it possible the president should have traveled to China to watch the final between Nigeria and Argentina, this could have helped to motivate the U-23 team.

Nura O Really Team Manager Jarma Football Club- Kano State premier league side

We are proud of the present U-23 team tacking on Argentina in the Olympic Male Football event final, this cracker takes us back memory lane, when Nigeria edged Brazil in the semi-final and defeated Argentina in the final 3-2 to clinch Gold medal at the Atlanta 96 Olympic games.
I am urging our Nigeria players to invoke the spirit of Atlanta 96, they have completed their mission in China, what is left is for them to be decorated as Olympic champions, there by making history in repeating the defeat handed Argentina at the 1996 Olympic games Male football final.
The people of Northern Nigeria are strongly behind Sani Keita.
Isha Allah, we are confident, he will return home with an Olympic gold medal.

Salisu Ibrahim a.k.a Odiye Coach Red Eagles – Kano State


All our players need to do is to imbibe confidence when taking on Argentina on Saturday morning, they should take off their minds from the possibility of unfair officiating, this set of Nigerian players played against the same crop of Argentine players in the final game of the FIFA U-20 championship in Holland in 2005, here again they are clashing in the final of the male football event final in the Olympics. I am hopeful our Nigerian team will subdue them this time; I am wishing them all the best of luck.

Mallm Adams Engine Oil seller – Obasanjo Way Kano State


We are hopeful and there is no cause for alarm in the game against Argentina, God willing, we will thrash the Argentines by 3 goals to nil, our opponents (Argentina) rely solely on Lionel Messi, a tree does not make a forest, our boys are good, Nigerians should pray for them.

Awesu Hussaini – Councilor Community Development Fagge LocaL Government


I congratulate Nigerians on the wonderful performance posed by the team, secondly I am calling on our lads(Nigeria U-23) to give in their best as has been the case from the commencement of the competition, like having it at the back of their hearts that victory come s from God, therefore they should go for gold.
That the president is not credited to have commented on the success so far would not in any way affect their performance in the final against Argentina, the boys have a great heart for this nation(Nigeria), Though, had the president (Yar dua) made specific promise, it would encourage them the more, but, by the way the boys are all out, Insha Allah victory is ours.


Aliu Usman Aliu a.ka Headmaster- Secretary All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) Fagge Local Government Kano State

My opinion on the final match between Nigeria and Argentina is that I am hundred percent confident on the Nigerian team, my fear is the crafty style of play usually adopted by the Argentine s , when they come up against a highly physical side like Nigeria, they fall unnecessarily, they behave like women, when they are marked.
I am confident because we have a good coach, our boys have a good technique and discipline.
Definitely, President Yar adua failing to speak on their effort will affect the psychology of the boys, a statement from the president would really have motivated the boys the more, they have a great heart for this country Nigeria, even if they lose to Argentina, am satisfied with their performance so far, but I know for sure victory will come our way come Saturday morning in China.