Buhari lauds victorious Olympics soccer team

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John Obi Mikel (C) of Nigeria heads for the ball with Andreas Maxso (L) and Edigerson Gomes (R) of Denmark during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games men’s quarter-final football match Nigeria vs Denmark, at the Arena Fonte Nova Stadium in Salvador, Brazil on August 13, 2016. NELSON ALMEIDA / AFP

Lasse Vibe (R) of Denmark vies for the ball with goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi (C) of Nigeria during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games men’s quarter-final football match Nigeria vs Denmark, at the Arena Fonte Nova Stadium in Salvador, Brazil on August 13, 2016. NELSON ALMEIDA / AFP

Nigeria's players celebrate after defeating Denmark in their Rio 2016 Olympic Games men’s quarter-final football match Nigeria vs Denmark, at the Arena Fonte Nova Stadium in Salvador, Brazil on August 13, 2016. NELSON ALMEIDA / AFP

John Obi Mikel (R) of Nigeria celebrates after scoring against Denmark during their Rio 2016 Olympic Games men’s quarter-final football match Nigeria vs Denmark, at the Arena Fonte Nova Stadium in Salvador, Brazil on August 13, 2016. NELSON ALMEIDA / AFP

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday night praised the indomitable spirit of the Nigerian soccer team to the ongoing Rio Olympics, which saw them flying over Denmark 2-0 to qualify for the semi-finals.

A statement by Mr Femi Adesina, the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, said an elated President Buhari urged the Dream Team to go for gold in the football tournament.

“Again and again, the unconquerable Nigerian spirit has come to the fore, showing that where there is a will, there’s always a way.

This was a team that was not given much chance, but which has now advanced into the semi-finals.

“Go for it. Go for the gold, and let the Nigerian banner be held proudly aloft once again on the global stage. We are almost there. Let’s go.”

President Buhari enjoined the Nigerian nation to pray and support the Nigerian contingent to the Olympics, “especially the soccer team, so that the rest of the world will know that even in the face of economic adversity, the Nigerian spirit remains resolute and lifted high.

“And this, we shall demonstrate in every sphere of our national life.’’

The Dream Team VI defeated their opponents from Denmark, on Saturday evening by 2 – 0 at the end of the game.

Midfield meastro Mikel Obi, opened scoring for the team in the first half, while Aminu Umar sealed their victory in the second half, giving the Nigerians the semi final ticket against Germany.