Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has described the bronze medal won in the ongoing Rio Olympic Games in Brazil by Nigeria’s Dream Team VI as the last minute redemption of the nation’s pride.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, Dr. Saraki extolled the doggedness of the Coach Samson Siasia-led boys and their ability to bounce back from defeat to claim a bronze medal for the country.
“I am excited about this last minute redemption of the nation’s pride by the Dream Team VI. The game against Honduras was no doubt a make or mar cracker. But we are happy to have emerged victorious. Thanks to the team and their technical crew.
“You have made the country proud by winning the third place match against all odds and we are proud of you and your superlative outing. All those who prayed and supported the team to the end also deserve special commendation. We were not disappointed.”
Senator Saraki said that the fact that the nation’s delegation did not perform as expected in the Rio Olympics Games billed to end on Sunday, should not be a reason to engage in a blame game.
He asked sports authorities in the country to immediately put their house in order and ensure that the country’s athletes have better preparations for the next Olympics and other major sports meets in the world.
“We must immediately reappraise our participation and ensure that the factors that set us back in the various events are identified and immediately redressed in order to aid our planning and preparation for the next edition of the games.” [myad]
