Both Nigeria and Algeria had already sealed their spots in the men’s Olympic football tournament having won their respective semi-final matches, but the former made the fastest start to the final after being awarded an early penalty kick.

A foul by Algeria captain Ryad Keniche on Victor Osimhen gave Nigeria, the Atlanta 1996 Olympic champions, the opportunity to take the lead and their captain Peter Etebo duly obliged by confidently scoring the penalty.

Algeria fortunately drew level in the 30th minute when Oduduwa Segun Tope scored an own goal, but Etebo struck on the stroke of half-time to restore Nigeria’s lead.

The second half proved to be a cagier affair and it was the Nigerians who held on to be crowned champions, after their goalkeeper Daniel Emmanuel saved a penalty by Zinedine Ferhat with 20 minutes remaining.

Penalties were also pivotal in the third-place play-off, where an Olympic spot was up for grabs for the winners, with hosts Senegal left to rue Moussa Wague’s effort which was saved by South African goalkeeper Jody February in the 73rd minute.

With the game and the subsequent period of extra time ending goalless, February thrived under the pressure of a penalty shoot-out after making three fine saves from Sylvain Badji, Elhadji Pape Diaw and Sidy Sarr.

It gave Phakamani Mahlamb the opportunity to send his team to Rio 2016 and he was able to convert his effort to see South Africa earn a 3-1 win on penalties.

“We said it from the beginning that it's not how you start the tournament but how you finish it, I must congratulate Senegal because they were unlucky,” said Owen da Gama, South Africa head coach.

“Today, luck was on our side but as they say in football the harder you work, the luckier you get.

“We still haven't played our best football but it was a tournament that for a lot of players was their first tournament so we worked on their mental strength and I’m happy we could come here and do well.

“The players were motivated and we kept on reminding them that their names will go to the history books of South African football and the players have responded well, so all credit goes to the players.”

South Africa’s progression means they will be represented by a men’s and women’s team for the first time in Olympic football.

As well as Nigeria and Algeria, the men will be joined by hosts Brazil and London 2012 gold medallists Mexico.

The others qualifiers so far are Argentina, Denmark, Fiji, Germany, Honduras, Portugal and Sweden.

A total of 16 teams will compete in the men's tournament.

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