By Maduabuchi Kalu on August 20, 2016

Super Eagles’ and Watford striker, Odion Ighalo, has given reasons why he couldn’t travel to   Brazil as one of the over-aged players for the Dream Team VI.

According to the striker, he had wanted to be a part of the Dream Team VI but his English Premier League Club Watford didn’t allow him to join the team as he was locked in contract negotiation with his employer.

The Edo State-born striker explained that there was no way he could have forced himself to be with the team and as a result, he missed out of the Rio squad. Ighalo stated this while fielding questions in Star FM Sports programme, Etisalat Mega Sport on Friday morning.

“I really wanted to be a part of the Dream Team VI for the Rio Games but my club didn’t allow me. We were engaged in contract negotiation and pre-season training and there is no way I would have forced myself out of the club without their approval because I am under contract,” Ighalo said.

“So, it was not like I didn’t want to be a part of the team. As a matter of fact, I was looking forward to it but when the time came my employers didn’t allow me and that was what happened. I really wanted to be a part of the team because it is a rare privilege to be called upon to serve your fatherland in any capacity,” he explained.

Speaking further, Ighalo said he wished the John Obi Mikel-captained Dream Team VI to win the bronze medal in the third place game against Honduras. He said the Coach Samson Siasia tutored Dream Team VI have all it takes to have the consolation medal when they file out against the South America nation, who lost scandalously against the host nation, Brazil in the semifinal by 6-0.

“I wish the Dream Team VI good luck as they file out to confront the Honduras Under-23 national team. I believe so far, the Dream Team VI have really done well despite losing to the Germans in the semi finals of the football event of the ongoing Rio Olympics.

“The team has all it take to win the Bronze and I believe that by the end of hostilities they would emerge victories. Their victory in the third place match would at least sooth their nerves and somehow compensate for all their efforts. There is a saying that half bread is better than none,” Ighalo explained.

•Photo shows Striker Odion Ighalo.

Source Daily Sports

Posted August 20, 2016

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