Nigeria vs Germany: Go For Gold Saraki Urges Dream Team VI

Senate President Bukola Saraki has urged Nigeria’s Dream Team V1 at the ongoing Rio Olympics Football games to work assiduously towards getting the gold medal because only the best is good for their determination, resilience and display of soccer skills.
The Senate President also called on Nigerians to borrow a leaf from the indomitable spirit of the nation’s football team and always display patriotism even in the face of challenges to make their country great.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja yesterday, Saraki who specifically commended the superlative performance of the U-23 Eagles so far, in spite of the initial hiccups, said, “the resilience, determination and winning streak of the Dream Team V1 in the men’s football event at the Rio Olympics excite me and rekindle my hope that Nigeria can once again get the coveted gold medal like we did in Atlanta, in 1996.
“With the focus and team spirit we have seen in your games so far, we are upbeat that we can repeat the 1996 Atlanta feat. Therefore, I urge you not to settle for less. I look forward to a resounding victory in your semi-final encounter against Germany tonight.
“With positive attitude and determination, we shall surmount our present socio-economic challenges as a nation. The Under- 23 Team has demonstrated our innate capacity to rise above challenges and achieve success. This season calls for the can-do-spirit. Let every Nigerian come together and pray for this team to win the gold. Our prayers should also be extended to other athletes who are still competing in the games.
“Again, from now on, all Nigerians should come together and act as one football team in bringing development to our country, respecting the law, patronising our locally made products, striving for the best for our country, shunning vices, making patriotism our badge of honour and showing that we are proud to be Nigerians and ready to bear the burden and benefits of our citizenship.
The Dream team is faced with the tough task of edging out an impressive Germany team tonight to reach the final and battle for gold medal.
Though the semi final contest is expected to be difficult and closely contested, both Coach Samson Siasia and Captain Mikel Obi have said that their ultimate target is the Olympic gold medal.
Mikel  restated the  team’s resolve to win Olympic Gold 20 years after the original Dream Team recorded such a feat in Atlanta, just as he was refunded the cash he paid to free the team from a Sao Paulo hotel.
“We are all very excited reaching the semi-finals but the ultimate is the gold medal and as the coach has said, we are still taking it one match at a time,” said captain Mikel, who scored Nigeria’s first against the Denmark for Nigeria to go on and win 2-0 and qualify for the last four.
“My objective here, as with each of the other players, is to win the gold medal.”
The Chelsea star revealed they have tried to put behind them all the drama and controversies that have surrounded the team lately.
“In truth, there have been a lot of challenges, but every time we go onto the field, we forget about everything and make sure our fatherland comes first,” he said.
“We have done that so far and we will continue to do that, but we need more motivation.”