Nigerians to FG: Reward 2016 Rio Olympics bronze-winning U-23 Eagles News

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Nigerians to FG: Reward 2016 Rio Olympics bronze-winning U-23 Eagles

By Victor Enyinnaya on August 25, 2016

Nigerians have unanimously called on President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that the U-23 Eagles that won the country’s only medal in the just concluded Olympic Games in Rio 2016 Games are adequately reward for their gallantry against all odds.

A cross section of Nigerians that were at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos to receive the team insisted that the players and their officials merit any kind of reward the present government may deem fit to bestow on them.

According to a fan that gave his name as Olubunmi Oluwaga, vividly remembered that the boys and their officials in the face of frustration and bulk passing by government officials drastically played down the negatives to win the bronze medal which turned out to become the only medal the country hauled when the curtain was drawn on the 31st Olympiad.

“The team went through the eye of a needle to become the cornerstone with which the country’s name appeared in the medals table unlike the London 2012 version. They are our true heroes and nothing would be enough to show them that Nigerians appreciate their efforts in the face of uncertainty. They are true sportsmen to the core,” he explains.

Another fan, one Patience Ebojaiye said the turnout of Nigerians to receive the team was enough testimony that the side is totally being appreciated and the government has to boost it by hosting them and doling out quality rewards both in kind and cash. They did their best to ensure they did not leave the football event empty handed and as such the President Buhari led government should stop at nothing in making sure this year’s Olympic bronze winning U-23 Eagles will be remembered.

“You have seen the number of people that came to catch a glimpse of the team at this hour. Think of it, if it had been during the evening time, security agencies’ would have had a hectic time trying to manage the crowd that would have been unprecedented. I am glad that I am part of the crowd that welcomed the team,” she added.

For Issa Abdullahi Sansui, the team deserves a five star treatment. Theirs were typical proof that when there is a will, there is equally a way. The Samson Siasia-tutored lads have proved to be true patriots and should be treated and addressed as such. It was bumpy when they started, but they overcame though their total belief and dedication to duty made them to be counted.

Vitalis Odidindu Egbe observed that the country is proud of the boys and their exploits. For me they caved their name on the sand of time and will be ever remembered for squeezing water out of stone when the chips are down.

The government has to brace up decisively and come up with enduring rewards for them because without their extended raw efforts, the London 2012 Olympics fiasco would have been repeated.

“There should be no foot dragging to host them and make them feel a sense of belonging that the government appreciated their never say die spirit that saw them bringing bronze medal instead of the other way round,” he appeals.

•Photo shows 2016 Rio Olympics bronze-winning U-23 Eagles.

Source Daily Sports

Posted August 25, 2016