Duro Ikhazuagbe in Rio
Captain of the Dream Team VI, John Mikel Obi, has said that he is consoled by the bronze medal Nigeria won Saturday evening despite the disappointment of failing to reach the final of the men’s football event of the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.
Speaking at the post-match last night after Dream Team VI defeated Honduras 3-2 to win Nigeria’s only bronze medal of the Rio2016 Games, the Super Eagles and Chelsea stalwart said that inasmuch as he would have loved to have the Olympic gold to treasure, he was proud of the team’s achievement.
“I was disappointed against Germany (beaten 2-0 in the semifinal) because I don’t like losing, I always want to win. But I am so proud of this team, the boys. They worked so hard, (to achieve the bronze medal finish).”
Mikel also poured encomium on Siasia for making the bronze medal possible.
“We have an amazing coach. He’s always been there for the boys.”
On what the medal means to Team Nigeria’s camp disillusioned by the contingent’s poor run here in Brazil, the Super Eagles captain insisted that it was massive for the entire country.
“It is very important, because football in Nigeria is absolutely massive. We had extra-pressure perhaps, but we have done it for us, for our family, for Nigeria,” concludes Mikel who had boasted before the game that he was not going to return to Stamford Bridge without a medal to show for his absence to the start of the new Premiership season in England.
Siasia was equally elated adding the bronze to the silver he won with the Dream Team class of 2008 in China.
“I want to say thanks to the players. They did a great job. It is good to take something back home.
“Having bronze is not easy, we are happy and we have to celebrate. We have to enjoy this moment.”
The coach praised the Brazilian fans for staying with the Dream Team right from the group stage to the bronze medal game at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte last night.
“I want to thank Brazil for the great support and hospitality. We are very pleased about staying here. Definitely I hope Brazil wins against Germany (in Saturday’s final),” concludes the ex international.
