SHANGHAI- The Under –23 Eagles of Nigeria yesterday lived up to expectations of teeming Nigerian football followers as they qualified for the final after they demolished their Belgian counterpart by 4-1 in the semi final match of the male soccer event of the on-going 29th Olympiad decided in Shanghai, China.

The Dream Team IV managed by intelligent Coach Samson Siasia had an easy ride over the Belgian side as defence ace, Olubayo Adefemi surprisingly opened scoring in the 19th minute of the match.

The physical and highly skillful Nigerian team controlled the tempo of the game during the first half with good ball possession and beautiful passes.

The first half ended without any other goal, though the Nigerian Under-23 Eagles fluffed away some begging chances which would have helped demoralise the Belgians early enough.
Unfortunately for the Belgians, they tried all they could to fight back in an attempt to secure an equaliser during the early minutes of the second half but to no avail.

Nigeria’s prolific striker, Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi who plies his football trade in Hoffenheim Football club in Germany, had a field day as he was on song twice- he scored the second goal in the 48th minute.

As if that was not enough, Chinedu Obasi again got the third goal of the interesting cracker when he fired a blinder which beat the Belgian goalkeeper, Baily into the net.

The Belgian goalkeeper, Baily could not control himself as he got furious with his team mates or defenders for not blocking Chinedu Obasi before he fired the shot.

The third goal appeared to have weakened the Europeans who unconsciously lost possession to the Nigerians who dictated the pace of the game.

The pressure by the Nigerian Dream Team IV yielded good result as a defender, Chibuzor Okonkwo powered home a canon that again beat Belgian goal tender, Baily into the net for the fourth goal.

Fortunately for the Belgians, they had a consolatory goal in the 88th minute through their striker, Comma courtesy of a free kick.