Dream Team VI and the titanic battle of Teranga Lions

… as Nigeria eye a place in 2016 Rio Olympic Games

Following Nigeria’s Dream Team VI qualification for the semi final in the ongoing U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Saturday, they now have an uphill task against the Teranga Lions of Senegal for a slot in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

But the question is: can Nigeria survive the Teranga Lions of Senegal today, as Samson Siasia boys do battle with the host country at the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor stadium in Dakar.

Both teams are familiar foes, having met three times with a win each for each and a draw.

Their first meeting was at Abuja 2003 All Africa Games, where Nigeria won 2-0 with goals from Emmanuel Izuagha and Emmanuel Okoduwa, Senegal then bounced back in the first edition of CAF U-23 AFCON in Morocco in 2011 with a 2-1 win over Nigeria, and their third meeting was at 2015 All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville in September, which ended in 1-1 draw.

To get to the semis, Senegal, who won all their three games, while Nigeria was unbeaten, winning one drawing two. A win for either team will translate to a place in the final plus an Olympics ticket.

Meanwhile, the 48-year-old tactician (Siasia) has encouraged his players to bring back the memory of 1992, when he scored against the Senegalese at the 1992 AFCON.

The former Super Eagles striker also charged his lads to get the result that all Nigerians inspire for, which will also secure their passage to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

A win for Nigeria over Senegal will see them book their place at next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, while a loss means they must win the third place match to be sure of a place at the Olympics.

The first three teams will represent Africa at the 2016 Olympics, while the fourth team will have to settle for the Olympic playoffs.

Anthony Nlebem & Shittu Alaka