12th September, 2015
Godfery Gaiya, former Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Sports, has applauded the performance of Nigeria’s Under-23 male football team in the final group match at the ongoing All Africa Games (AAG) in Congo.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Dream Team emerged as Group B winners after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Senegal in the men’s football event at the Games.
The Siasia tutored side qualified for the semi-finals on Wednesday following an impressive 2-0 victory over Ghana and Egypt’s withdrawal from the football event but needed the 1-1 draw against Senegal to top their group.
The Senegalese were almost coasting home to victory to the top of the group when they took the lead through Ibrahima Keita in the 81st minute.
But the U-23 Eagles fought back and snatched a late equaliser four minutes into added time.
Gaiya, however, told NAN in Abuja on Saturday that he was not surprised at the team’s progression going by the antecedent of its coach Samson Siasia.
“Prior to the All Africa Games, the team had been doing very well and I am not surprised that they have moved to Semi-finals.
“With the quality of players and team spirit in that squad, I do not really see any country emerging as a threat to them.
“What we expect from them now is to bring home a gold medal and by the grace of God, they will,’’ he said.
NAN reports that Nigerian team who tops Group B with four points will now face the runners-up in Group A, who will be either Burkina Faso or Sudan.
The 11th AAG, which began on Sept. 4, is expected to end on Sept.19.