Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung on Tuesday disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari was appreciative of the performance of Team Nigeria at the just concluded 2016 Olympic Games.
Dalung made the disclosure to statehouse correspondents after he met with President Buhari to brief him on the outcome of the team in Rio.
“All I did was to brief the President on our performance, the challenges we had, the progress we made because in 2016 Nigeria was celebrated. Two Nigerian athletes, Aruna Quadri and Chierika Ukogu, were recognized internationally in Rio, that happening to Nigeria is an achievement.
“He (President Buhari) also appreciated our performance and thanked us for doing the country proud and keeping the flag flying. He challenged us to do more for the country to move sports forward,” Dalung said.
The minister added that he pleaded with President Buhari to host the contingent despite winning only one bronze medal in football and coming 78th on the medals table.
Dalung also said those criticising him for the nation’s performance were wrong because the Olympics preparation pre-dated his appointment.
Dalung affirmed that, “We need to go back to the grass-roots and groom talents for future competitions.”
Meanwhile, the minister feigned ignorance on the appointment of a foreign technical adviser for the Super Eagles by the NFF which he said are yet to brief him about the development.
Dolapo is a writer and journalist who works with YNaija. He has interests in Christianity, politics and sports.
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