Olympics: I Take Full Responsibility For Your Late Arrival, Dalung Tells Dream Team

Dalung stated this after the Dream Team defeated Sweden in Manaus on Monday morning to move into the quarterfinals with a game to spare.

The sports minister who was accompanied by the sports ministry’s permanent secretary Christian Ohaa, arrived Manaus Brazil on Sunday, ahead of Nigeria U23’s clash with Sweden.

Speaking at the dressing room after the game at the Arena Amazonia, the very excited Dalung who exchanged pleasantries with players and officials said: “I want to apologise for all the circumstances that led to your late arrival here.

“I apologise because I am the head and as such I must take responsibility for anything that happen under my watch.

“I am happy you all have put the unfortunate incident behind you and have shown that you are true heroes by making the country proud with your qualification for the quarterfinals.

“This qualification is unique as you guys are the first team to do so in the football event. I want to assure you that we appreciate your efforts, and I want to say that it’s when a man faces challenges that his true ability is tested.

“I am sure we all have learnt our lessons and will take the lessons to heart going forward.”

READ ALSO: Time To Sack Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung

Dalung likened the situation to a similar one faced by the Dream Team prior to winning the Africa U23 Cup of Nations in Senegal last year – which qualified them to the Rio Olympics.

He further assured the players and officials that all bonuses and allowances due to them will be paid.

Nigeria U-23 captain, John Obi Mikel while responding to the minister, assured Nigerians that the team will not lose focus as they aim to win Gold in the Men’s football category of the Rio Olympics.

Samson Siasia’s boys became the first team to book a quarterfinal spot at the Games and could face host Brazil in the last eight.