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By Amaechi Agbo

On October 13, 2019, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will file out against the Samba Boys of Brazil in an international friendly to be played at the Singaporean National Stadium, Kallang.

However, in a release on Thursday, the NFF goofed in its historical calculation of the previous match played between the two continental giants.

In the last paragraph of the release, the NFF misled Nigerians and the entire world when it stated that the last time Nigeria and Brazil met at international level was 23 years ago – at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics football event. The Nigeria U-23 team, styled “Dream Team” came from behind to beat their Brazil counterparts 4-3 on the final day to clinch a memorable Olympic gold medal for the first time ever.

“Nigeria and Brazil will tango in a much –anticipated encounter at the Singapore National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore on Sunday, 13^th October, 23 years after Nigeria, on their way to winning Africa’s first Olympic football gold, spanked the Selecao in the semi finals at the Athens Stadium in the State of Georgia, USA,” the release said

However, this paper can report that the last time Nigeria played Brazil was 16 years ago and not 23 years as NFF erroneously pointed out.

After losing to Brazil in the group stage, Nigeria finally got their pound of flesh over Brazil for the very first time when they shocked them in the semi-final of the 1996 Olympics.

First half goals from Flavio Conceicao and Bebeto, gave Brazil a 3-1 lead. But Nigeria came back to level up thanks to Victor Ikpeba and a late Nwankwo Kanu goal.

And in first half extra-time, Kanu sealed Nigeria’s first ever win against Brazil with a stunning golden goal to end the dramatic tie 4-3.

Best Choice Sports can report that the last time Nigeria and Brazil clashed at the international/senior level was on 11^th June, 2003 at the then Abuja National Stadium (now MKO Abiola Stadium) Nigeria, despite playing against a hugely understrength Brazilian side, lost the match 3-0 in front of over 30, 000 fans who came out to cheer the team up.

A year after winning the FIFA senior World Cup in South Korea/Japan, Brazil met Nigeria in an international friendly game played inside the Abuja National Stadium, commemorating the official opening of the edifice.

Gil, Luis Fabiano and Adriano scored the Samba team’s first, second and third goals respectively to ensure that the stadium, built ahead of the 2003 All Africa Games was officially opened in defeat.

Lineups:

Nigeria – Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Enakhire, Ifeanyi Udeze, Ikpe Ekong(Seyi Olofinjana 77′), Issac Okoronkwo, Romanus Orjinta, Austin Okocha, John Utaka, Yakubu Aiyegbeni(Christian Obodo 47′), Nwankwo Kanu(Chukwudi Nworgu 85′), Garba Lawal.

Brazil – Dida, Beletti (Eduardo Costa 77′), Lucio, Juan(Fabio Luciano 86′), Kleber(Gilberto 81′), Ricardinho, Kleberson, Emerson, Ronaldinho, Ribeiro Goncalves Gil (Carlos Souza Vieira Adriano 73′), Luis Fabiano (striker Adriano 73′).