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’Tana Aiyejina
Arese, wife of the former US Ambassador to Nigeria, Walter Carrington, has thrown her support behind Nigeria’s U-23 team, urging the Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games gold winners to go for gold again at the 2016 Games in Rio.
Carrington hailed Samson Siasia’s team for putting behind them the drama that left them stranded in Atlanta with just hours to their opening game against Japan on June 4.
“Thank you Nigeria U-23 football team! You are truly a dream team. Despite the Olympic arrival fiasco, you did not grumble nor crumble, instead you remained focused and notwithstanding arriving just a few hours before your game you went on to beat Japan 5-4,” Arese said in a statement.
“If you had played poorly you could have easily blamed it on jetlag, travel fatigue or feeling demoralised. You are not quitters and failure was not an option you entertained. I was so anxious I could not watch the game live but instead spent the time praying for the team. At the end when Nigeria won the match I was so thrilled.
“My husband and I are passionate about Nigerian football teams. We continue to root for Nigeria. Your victory so far is no ordinary victory and your resilience is admired by many. You have beaten Sweden and qualified for the quarter finals. Congratulations. You are true patriots, putting country before self. You have got what it takes to win that gold. Go on Team Nigeria.”
The medical doctor and international public health specialist however lamented the lack of adequate support for Nigerian athletes. She lauded the country;s sportsmen and women for thriving despite the challenges faced by them.
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