Soccer Madness: Nigeria Celebrates in Style at the Beijing Olympics

{Olubayo Adefemi celebrates the goal opener. Photo: Associated Press)

{A jubilant dream team celebrates in style as Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi, Kneeling down, is being congratulated by teammates Captain Victor Obinna Nsofor--right--and Chibuzor Okonkwo--Left.} Photo: AFP coutesy of Vanguard

It was superb and unbelievable to see a magnificent Samson Siasia put a team together with a range unimaginable at his own tone and pace. Siasia had told Michel Obi to go to hell and he didn't need him. Obi had thought Siasia could not perform his magic without him.

Obi was wrong.

Siasia did it independently, his own way, and by his own rules.

However, I had tipped the robust Italians to win overall on many grounds. Brazil came unprepared with a lousy Coach Dunga who had no idea what he was doing.

The showdown, a much anticipated return match is a tough call. Argentina has players who play pro in big European leagues. Lionel Messi, Sergio Arguero, Javier Mascherano, et all are experienced players. On the other hand, the goal scorers that nailed Belgium are from unknown teams in Europe and Brazil. Olubayo Adefemi plays for a clubside in Israel, Chinedu Obasi who scored two goals against Belgium plays for Hoffenheim in Germany while Chibuzor Okonkwo plays locally for Bayelsa United in Nigeria.

The dribbling magic of the Nigerian lads is a sure bet to give Messi and his boys a run for their money.

The line: Nigeria by one point.