The 1996 winners entered qualification for the CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations at the final play-off stage, where they defeated Congo 2-1 over two legs, with Junior Ajayi grabbing both of the goals for ‘Dream Team VI’.
In the tournament proper, they finished second in Group B on goal difference behind fellow Olympians Algeria, courtesy of an Ajayi-inspired victory against Mali and draws against Egypt and Les Verts.
A single Etebo Oghenekaro strike saw off the finals hosts Senegal in the semi-final to book their tickets to Rio, and finished the tournament in style by defeating Algeria 2-1 in the final.
No African side has won more Men’s Olympic Football Tournament games than Nigeria. Despite Egypt also winning ten matches, they have done so in 32 attempts to the Super Eagles’ 25