African U-23 championship: NIS official urges Dream Team VI to beat Egypt

The National Institute of Sports (NIS) has urged Nigeria’s Under-23 male football team, Dream Team VI, to beat Egypt at the ongoing Africa U-23 championship in Senegal on Wednesday.

Alex Mana, Chairman of the institute’s Sandwich Programme who gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, also urged them to qualify for Rio Olympics.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Dream Team will play their second group B game against the Pharaohs of Egypt on Dec. 2 at the Caroline Faye Staduim, Mbour.

“ I want to remind them that the main aim of participating in the championship is to get a ticket for Rio 2016 Olympics.

“ I am happy that they won their first match against Mali, but I want them to remain focused and be aware of what is at stake.

“ They should take each game as it comes and apply team spirit and hard work. I am sure that they will go far in the tournament.

“However, their main focus now should be defeating Egypt. So, they should not treat the Egyptians with kid gloves but go all out to beat them,’’ Mana said.

NAN reports that Nigeria is top in the group table after defeating Mali 3-2 on Sunday while Egypt drew 1-1 with Algeria same day.

The top three teams of the championship will represent Africa in the male football event in 2016 Olympics.

Eight teams are currently participating in the tournament which began on Nov. 28 and is expected to end on Dec. 12.