The Minister of Youth and Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, has
apologised to players and officials of Nigeria’s Olympic football team
for the challenges they faced, leading to their late arrival in Brazil
for the Rio Olympics.
Dalung apologised to the players and officials after watching the
Dream Team VI defeat Sweden in Manaus on Sunday to reach the quarter
finals of the tournament, according to a statement by the Spokesperson
of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ademola Olajire, on Monday.
Dalung, a conspicuous presence in the stands as the 1996 champions
pipped Europe’s best team Sweden in Manaus on Sunday night to reach the
tournament quarter –finals with a game to spare, tendered his apology in
the dressing room after the game at the Arena Amazonia.
“I want to apologise for all the circumstances that led to your late
arrival here. I apologise because I am the head and as such I must take
responsibility for anything that happens under my watch,” Dalung was
quoted as saying after exchanging pleasantries with the victorious
players.
“I’m happy you all have put the unfortunate incident behind you and
have shown that you are true heroes by making the country proud with
your qualification for the quarter finals. This qualification is unique
as you guys are the first team to do so in the football event.”
He said lessons had been learnt from the event and assured the
players and officials that all bonuses and allowances due to them would
be paid.
The team captain, Mikel Obi, was quoted as assuring Dalung that the
team would not lose focus as their target was to win the gold medal for
Nigeria.
Dalung watched the match in company with Nigeria’s Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Brazil, Adamu Emozozo, and the
Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Chinyeaka Ohaa.
Source: Punch Newspapers
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