On August 3, 1996, at Sanford Stadium in Athens, there is the Olympic final. Argentina is the favorite by right and by wealth, but also by footballers. In front of them, however, is Nigeria, beautiful and in need of accomplishment. Because two years earlier, again in the United States, the Africans had come close to eliminating Italy, with Roberto Baggio who saved the day five minutes from the end. Nigeria was strong in Atlanta, but in front of them was a squad of future champions. A generation that, however, wins nothing.
For Nigeria, in goal was Dosu, a future at Reggiana and a car accident that left him paralyzed at 23. Celestine Babayaro, very young, from Anderlecht. Taribo West, hard to put an age on, then Okechuwku and Oparaku to complete the defence. In midfield Sunday Oliseh, ephemeral both at Reggiana and Juventus, almost like a playmaker in front of the defence. Jay Jay Okocha, one of the most entertaining players of those years, also effective in Nigeria. Outside, very much in attack and very little in midfield, here are Tijjani Babangida and Viktor Ikpeba. And up front Daniel Amokachi and Nwankwo Kanu, captain with the armband and Champions League won with Ajax.
Argentina is no exception, with Cavallero, Chamot, Ayala, Zanetti and Sensini in defense. Almeyda, Morales and Bassedas in midfield, up front Claudio Lopez, Crespo and Ortega. Claudio Lopez unlocks, Babayaro equalizes, both headers. Then Crespo, bought that summer from Parma, scores his penalty kick that makes him top scorer. Amokachi restores the balance with a quarter of an hour to go. At the end Amunike, on a loose ball after a free kick, beats Cavallero for the final 3-2.