The Olympic men’s football team got to Manaus only six hours before kick-off.

Four goals from Oghenekaro Etebo and Umar Sadiq’s effort ensured that the African champions started the tournament on a positive note.

Nigeria held on to edge out Japan 5-4 despite Musashi Suzuki scoring in the 4th minute of injury time.

Nigeria next play European champions, Sweden, on Sunday night.

In other results, One of Africa’s representatives, South Africa, with 10 men, forced hosts, Brazil to a goalless draw.

Iraq was also impressive in their goalless draw with Denmark.

But Honduras defeated Algeria by three goals to two in a thrilling encounter.

Germany forced Mexico to a 2-2 draw, while Portugal defeated Argentina 2 nil.

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“August is when clubs in Europe would commence their leagues and experience has shown over the years that clubs in Europe are always very reluctant to release players for Olympics competition. So if there is no pressure and mutual understanding between these clubs and the Nigeria Football Federation we may be deprived of our best legs in the Olympics.

“That is the reason why I want us to start our preparations now so that we can mould a better and stronger team than the one that won the Africa U- 23 Championship in Senegal. We can’t rely solely on the foreign based players because they might disappoint us if their clubs fail to release them,” Siasia told SportingLife.

Siasia as at the time of filing this report was on the heels of the Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung and the chieftains of the Nigeria Football Federation to ensure that at the latest the team starts camping on Monday.

“Right now I want to go and see the Honourable Minister and the General Secretary of the NFF Dr Sanusi Muhammed on this issue. Hopefully we may kick start our camping on Monday next week,” Siasia disclosed.

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