Brazil vow to bounce back after loss to Nigeria

Players and officials of the Brazil’s Olympic national team have vowed to bounce back stronger after suffering a shocking 1-0 home loss to Nigeria’s U-23 Eagles on Thursday.

Brazil, who are yet to win Olympics football gold, created the better chances, but they either failed to put them away or goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel and his defence were resolute in keeping them out.

Ubong Ekpai fired the match winner for Nigeria off a rebound after just four minutes, when Imoh, who was a thorn in the flesh of the Brazilians, went past his marker and his resultant pull out saw Popoola hitting a shot that rebounded for Ekpai to score.

The Brazilians are expected to return to the Estádio Kléber Andrade, on Sunday to face South Africa.

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Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira says he expects to beat South Africa as the players have adapted well.

He said: “Now we have to win the second game. In fact, regardless of the defeat, we have to try to win always. But now I think there’s more pressure, yes. But we’re adapting well, I think it will be better now for the second game. I think we will win, yes.”

Santos striker Gabigol also talked about the team’s defeat to Nigeria, but the player was keen to remember the positives even in defeat.

He said: “Of course we wanted to win. But our team played very well, created great plays, but lacked the final pass to score the goal. They had a chance and scored, but I repeat, our team was very good.

“Now on Sunday we expect to make another good game, continue in the same track and achieve victory, which is important.”

 

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