With the Japanese media and public on his back, Zico called up the majority of his overseas stars for this seemingly meaningless friendly against Nigeria. In short, Zico desperately needed a win to give him some breathing space.
Nigeria Goalkeeper Greg Etafia makes a save at the feet of Japan striker Atsushi Yanagisawa.
On Wednesday night at Tokyo's National Stadium, he didn't have to wait long for his first lungful as Hamburg SV striker Naohiro Takahara pounced in the very first minute with a clinical piece of finishing to give his country the first of its goals in a 3-0 victory over a weakened Nigeria team.
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