President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the performance of Nigeria’s under-23 male football team against their Japanese opponents at the ongoing 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The president made the commendation in a message to the Team Nigeria contingent on Friday from Abuja, signed by his Senior Special Assistant on (SSA) Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.
It said Buhari expressed the hope that the football team’s victory would serve as “an inspiration to the entire contingent of the grand show Nigerians expect from our athletes’’.
In the message, President Buhari also expressed optimism that the country’s team would put up an impressive showing to delight fellow countrymen.
“On behalf of the government and people of our great country, I wish to express my support to our athletes who have arrived in Rio for the 2016 Olympic Games.
“I am particularly delighted by the outcome of the football match early this morning, in which our football team defeated their Japanese counterparts.
“The sweetness of the victory comes from the fact that it came against all odds.
“Our team overcame several challenges to put up a sterling performance. This is a good beginning,’’ he said in the message.
President Buhari also praised the resilience, hard work and patriotism the athletes had put into their preparations.
He stated that he was aware of the personal sacrifices they made while preparing for the Games.
“I am already aware that you have made personal sacrifices in your journey to the Olympic Games.
“The motivation comes from strong discipline and the love of the nation.”
“As you embark on the search for honours for the nation, I seize this opportunity to assure our Olympians that you have my support and those of all Nigerians.
“Go! Win and return with laurels, I wish you the best,” the President added.