Nigeria vice-captain suspended for semifinal

 

Nigeria will miss the services of midfielder Okechukwu Azubuike when they face Germany in the semifinal of the Rio Olympics after he received another booking in the 2-0 win over Denmark in the quarterfinal on Saturday.
The 19-year old has been an impressive presence for the Nigerian side as they progressed to the semis, but will now miss the game against Germany following his yellow card against Denmark, which follows the booking he received the final group game against Colombia.
John Obi Mikel opened the scoring for Nigeria before Aminu Umar made victory certain in Salvador on Saturday, guaranteeing Nigeria a place in the semifinal against the Germans, who had earlier beaten Portugal in their quarterfinal game.
Meanwhile, the team will expect to welcome top scorer Oghenekaro Etebo, who missed the win over Denmark through injury, and will also be delighted with the return of Junior Ajayi, who played for the first time in the competition when he came on as a second half substitute on Saturday.