Nigeria U23 beat host Brazil 1-0 in friendly

Nigeria U23 defeated hosts Brazil 1-0 in an international friendly played at the Estádio Kléber Andrade on Friday morning.

Ubong Ekpai’s third minute strike was all the Dream Team VI needed to subdue Rogerio Micale’s wasteful lads in the keenly contested affair in Cariacica, Espírito Santo, Brazil.

The much talked about encounter described as a repeat of the Atlanta 1996 Olympics football event began on a positive note for the African U23 champions after taking the lead as early as the third minute after Akwa United’s Ekpai tucked home a rebound.

Gabigol , Alisson and Felipe Anderson had at least two chances to win the game for Seleção Brasileira but consistent misses denied them victory plus excellent goalkeeping from Nigeria’s Emmanuel Daniel.

With coach Micale’s introduction of Clayton, Doria , Luciano and Malcom , the Dream Team VI backline was placed under constant check – but the hosts failed to convert begging chances.

Brazil will continue their preparations for the Rio Olympics when they face South Africa U23 in another friendly on Sunday