The Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has apologised to players and officials of Nigeria’s Olympic football team for the challenges they faced during the build-up to the games.
The team had gotten to Rio, about 6 hours to their first match against Japan due to improper arrangements for their airlift from Atlanta.
According to a statement by the Spokesperson of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ademola Olajire, on Monday, Dalung apologised to the players and officials after watching the Dream Team VI defeat Sweden in Manaus on Sunday.
Dalung who was in the stands in Manaus on Sunday night when the team defeated Sweden 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 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.
sometimes I think is just a waste of time serving this country. What would Dalung had done if they didn’t qualify? The bonuses wouldn’t be paid, right? All these drama is just madness, lack of leadership and incompetency on his side.
Stupid man, because the team is doing well you want to be identified with them. Do you know what took them to America? Resign !