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I think you've got a good point. The thing is I would never say in Russian something like "предоставили возможность" for either of the two cases above, as it sounds too bogus.. I might be wrong...

1. He was not given the opportunity to show off his skills and talents.
=> Ему не предоставили возможности продемонстрировать свои умения и таланты. (Lit.)
=> Ему не удалось продемонстрировать...