Taye Taiwo and Victor Anichebe yesterday both fired Nigeria to victory against the South African Olympic team to claim the only ticket of the group.
The second came following immense pressure from the Team forcing an own goal when a south African defender tried to clear the ball.
Anichebe was making his debute for Nigeria and started well with a good goal that saw Nigeria leading 3-0.
But players' goal ensured Nigeria qualified for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.
The team had been promised $4000 by the sports ministry and $1000 by NFA making $5000 for a victory. They didn't particularly play well as the south Africans ran rings round them until the first goal was scored. The goal came at the 30th minute through a beautiful corner from the right by Kennedy Chinwo which was headed home by Taiye Taiwo. Before Anichebe added a third. The game eventually ended 3-0 in the Dream Team IV's favour.
We believe that as usual Siasia's purposefulness will bring out the best in these boys before the Olympic proper. The NFA should at least do their work this time and support this team now and not wait till it is time to go to Beijing to start promising unrealistic amount of money as match bonuses.
