Salute to the Dream Team!

Though they left the United States a few hours to their game, they managed to win in a nine goals thriller. Imagine this; the Nigerian team was in the City of Atlanta; where it won six medals 20 years ago in 1996, about six hours to their game.  So one minute we were jittery that […]

Though they left the United States a few hours to their game, they managed to win in a nine goals thriller. Imagine this; the Nigerian team was in the City of Atlanta; where it won six medals 20 years ago in 1996, about six hours to their game.  So one minute we were jittery that our team was yet to arrive the venue of the game and the next, we were celebrating.
Against all odds, the coach and his boys made us proud as Nigerians. So much was wrong with the country’s preparation for the games; it appeared as if the nation was not ready to take part in the tournament.
Our athletes had poor facilities to train with at the Lagos stadium. One of the athletes, Faith Obiora, complained that there was no power at the stadium just as the roof of the building in which they were camped was leaking. Our only boxer, Efe Ajagba, made similar complaints. The situation in Abuja wasn’t any better, yet the athletes were charged to bring the gold home.  Adequate preparation is key to success. So any country that wants to achieve success must act like it does. Every necessary thing must be put in place to ensure that those representing the country are prepared and in the right state of mind.
The Nigerian U-23 Team defeated Japan with 5-4 goals aggregate and we congratulate them for that.  We urge them to continue in that spirit and not allow anything to discourage them. It is true that the government failed to do its part, but in the spirit of patriotism, I plead with all those representing Nigeria in various sports to do their best and make the nation proud. We should remember them in our prayers so that they will do well and to return to the country safely.
Muhammad Malumfashi  wrote from Katsina