Former Super Eagles forward Victor Ikpeba has suggested that God favoured Nigeria on the road to winning the Olympic Games gold medal at Atlanta in 1996, Soccernet.ng reports.
Ikpeba was a member of the star-studded Nigerian squad that surmounted seemingly impossible odds to win Africa’s first football gold at the Olympics 28 years ago.
Jay-Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, Nwankwo Kanu, and Ikpeba played crucial roles as Nigeria defeated Mexico in the quarterfinals, Brazil in the semifinals, and Argentina in the final to become champions.
While many gave the Nigerian lads no chance to go all the way, Ikpeba reveals that it was after the remarkable comeback win over Brazil that he knew the African representatives were destined to win.
Ikpeba provided the smart finish that reduced a 3-1 deficit against Brazil to 3-2 before Kanu netted a late equaliser and the winning goal in extra time.
Asked, in a chat with Caf Online, when he felt convinced that Nigeria were going to be crowned Olympic champion, Ikpeba responded,
“During our semi-final against Brazil. It may seem like it does not make sense because on paper, we were not the favourites.
“It was that golden generation with the likes of Bebeto, Roberto Carlos, and Rivaldo. In addition, we had lost against them a few days earlier in a group match.
“But, God was Nigerian that day (laughs).
“We trailed 3-1, then equalized 3-3 to win in 4-3 in extra-time. We are qualified for the final stage. And as they say, a final is not played, it is won.”
Ikpeba is still fond of the memories of his participation in the Olympic Games in 1996, and the former Borussia Dortmund ace insists it is an experience that will stay with him forever.
“Joy, I was so happy to participate,” he added.
“Pride too when I remember the teams that we beat, Mexico in the quarter-final, Brazil in the semi-final, then Argentina in the final.
“We Africans have shown that this is possible. It’s a tournament that I will never be able to forget.”
Ikpeba was a member of the Super Eagles squad that also lifted the trophy at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.