igeria held gold-medal favorite Netherlands to a 0-0 draw Wednesday, competing evenly with the reigning two-time European under-21 champion in their Olympic opener.

The Netherland's Royston Drenthe, right, fends off a challange from Nigeria's Onyekachi Apam during a Group B Men's soccer match at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Tianjin, China, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

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Bolstered by forward Ryan Babel and veteran senior national team striker Roy Makaay, the Dutch were picked in many pre-Olympic predictions to challenge Argentina and Brazil for the title.

Using three forwards, the Nigerians created several quality chances, but couldn't score. The Dutch also were dangerous, mostly with Jonathan de Guzman out of midfield.

"I was glad we didn't lose. It doesn't feel like a win. A win is a win. This was a draw," Nigeria coach Samson Siasia said. "But I think it was a good start."

The Netherlands finished the match with 10 men after Evander Sno was ejected in the 91st minute for a foul on Emmanuel Ekpo, who had entered the match only two minutes earlier.

"It's not a disaster. We can play better," Dutch coach Foppe de Haan said. "We have time to grow with a draw."

The Netherlands likely will have to play the United States on Sunday without Makaay, who left the game at halftime with what de Haan said was an injured foot. De Haan was doubtful Makaay would be available.

The Dutch created the better chances early, most dramatically when veteran Roy Makaay banged a shot off the crossbar in the ninth minute despite the linesman raising his offside flag.

But the Nigerians rallied in the final 15 minutes of the first half. Victor Obinna put a header just wide in the 31st minute, touched a crossing pass just wide of the near post in the 33rd and unleashed a powerful right-footed drive from the top of the penalty area in the 44th minute, forcing Dutch keeper Kenneth Vermeer to dive left in order to push the ball around the post.

Both sides traded chances in the second half as well.

"I really believe we could have won," Obinna said. "We created more chances than the Dutch team."

Nigeria had Oladapo Olufemi on the bench, the replacement for Marseille defender Taye Taiwo, who was never released by his French club and had to be dropped earlier this week.

"We can't worry about what we don't have," Siasia said. "He's not here. The defense was OK."

Nigeria is trying to reclaim the crown it won in 1996 when it became the first African champion. The Dutch are making their first Olympic appearance since 1952.