Babayaro Says the Withdrawal of Ronaldo Helped Nigeria Beat Brazil at 1996 Olympics

• Nigeria's national team came back from 3-1 down to beat Brazil in the semi-final of the 1996 Olympics
• Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Emmanuel Babayaro has said the game was won in the second half
• The 46-year-old added a work permit issue prevented him from a deal with West Ham United in 1995

Former Nigerian international, Emmanuel Babayaro has stated the withdrawal of Ronaldo Nazario in the second half helped the Nigerian national team beat Brazil at the Atlanta Summer Olympics in 1996.

At the contest, the African team - then coached by Bonfrere Jo - landed in the semi-final of the competition against all odds and had a tough game against the South American giants.

Brazil was the favourite to win the title considering the number of stars in the squad, but the Nigerians upset the order and broke the Selecao's hearts.

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After the first 45 minutes, Brazil were leading Nigeria 3-1 with hopes of many fans already in tatters. Prayers for a win steadily became prayers for the South Americans to not score any more in the second half.

Nigeria's second-half miracle

In the second half, Nigerian players changed their style of play and surprisingly scored three goals against the Brazilians, ultimately winning the tie 4-3.

Speaking exclusively to Punch, Babayaro explained that the Selecao likely thought they had won and removed danger man, Ronaldo in the second half, suffered the consequences of that substitution.

'Brazil made their biggest mistake'

''Brazil made their biggest mistake by withdrawing Ronaldo Nazario from the game... The moment they did that, I signalled that no one should worry anymore, that we had won the match because he was the only one that held us.''

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Coach George scores amazing goal

Sports Brief previously reported on an awesome video on social media of Enyimba FC coach, Finidi George scoring an amazing goal while coaching his team.

His strike made many fans remember his days as a footballer, when he scored many goals at club level and also for the Super Eagles - Nigeria's national team.

George a joy to watch on the pitch in years gone by, considering his pace, power, team spirit, and goal-scoring skills which made Ajax offer him a contract.