Former Executive Committee member of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), Dr Amos Adamu, has said that the Dream Team VI have what it takes to repeat the Atlanta ’96 Olympic soccer victory.
The team’s Wednesday’s victory was enough to secure the National U-23 team, coached by Samson Siasia, one of the three slots of the soccer event of the Rio Olympic Games.
“I believe at this stage, the Nigerian players are full of surprises. With adequate support from all quarters, I see them bringing back the glory of 1996 Atlanta Games,’’ he predicted.
Adamu, a former CAF and FIFA Executive Committee member, commended the team for a brilliant performance against the hosts, Senegal.
“I congratulate the team for defeating the hosts is no mean feat; even the final match won’t be as tensed as the one won by the Dream Team. The players should endeavour to remain focused and shun all forms of distractions. They should take each game more seriously than the previous.
“I give kudos to Samson Siasia, he was able to get his defence in order, they should keep up the good work,’’ Adamu said.
South Africa and Senegal would battle for the third slot.
The winner of the second semi-final match between South Africa and Algeria, the Junior Desert Foxes of Algeria would play Nigeria in the final on December. 11.
The two finalists, Nigeria and Algeria automatically pick the first two slots, while the winner of the third place match take’s the third slot.
The Rio Games are scheduled to be hosted by Brazil, from Aug. 5 to Aug. 21, 2016.
