Dream Team VI coach, Samson Siasia, is still in disbelief with the way things played out for his team at the just concluded Rio Olympics.
The Nigerians weathered the storm to clinch bronze in the male football event – the country’s sole medal at the Games.
They were received by cheering fans on Monday night who danced and sang joyfully at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
And Siasia, who has now led the West Africans to two Olympic football accolades, recalls his unfortunate meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung.
The tactician said it was a funny scene when the minister came to visit his team but didn’t even recognise him.
“It’s funny. When he came, he shook hands with us and after shaking the players, he asked where is the coach. Everybody started laughing. We shook hands again and hugged,” Siasia told Vanguard.
He noted that his team could have done better if the environment before the Games was conducive for them.
“The environment before the Games was not good but we resolved to weather the storm. The players gave their best. Without necessarily singling out players, Mikel was outstanding.
“He not only played well, he also motivated the squad with his leadership qualities. Also, Injury did not allow us to use some other good players.
“Anyway, we’re grateful to win something for Nigerians who showed massive support to us”.
