Samson Siasia, Coach of Nigeria Under 23 team has revealed his experience with the Nigerian Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung in Brazil during the Rio Olympics… “The whole thing surprised me. As we speak, I don’t know what I have done to offend the Minister. The whole thing is surprising… 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.”

“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”.