Director General of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Alhassan Yakmut on Saturday evening called players and officials of the U-23 national team, Dream Team, urging them to go all out and do the nation proud by beating Congo in Sunday’s African U-23 Championship final qualifying match in Pointe-Noire.
Yakmut first spoke with Head Coach Samson Siasia, saying he is confident the Dream Team will go all out to do the nation proud as the hopes of millions of Nigerians rests on their shoulders.
“Let me tell you guys that from your performance in the first leg, Nigerians now believe so much in you to come out victorious against the Congolese. The Super Eagles have done it before by beating the Congo senior team 2-0 at the same venue in a Cup of Nations qualifier in November last year. I am sure you guys can repeat the same feat.
“The Olympic Games is the greatest sporting event in the world and you should strive hard to be part of that event, for it is the dream of any athlete to become an Olympian. I urge you all not to relax until victory is secured.”
Yakmut then assured the players that every thing will be done by the NSC to work with the NFF in giving the Dream Team a good preparation for the event.
Earlier, NFF president Amaju Pinnick had called the leader of delegation, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, saying the nation is expecting the boys to be brave and battle against any form of intimidation that the Congolese will throw at them.
He said from what he saw in the first leg, he is certain victory will come the way of Nigeria.
Responding, Chief Anyansi-Agwu thanked both the NSC boss and the NFF President for finding time to call and motivate the team ahead of such a crucial game, as this will go a long way in making the boys know that the nation is behind them.