As the national U-23 football team begin their Rio 2016 Olympics training in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, with a friendly match against Charlesion Battery FC on July 16, former Super Falcons goalkeeper, US-based Judith Chime has called on Nigerian residents in the city to rally round the boys.

16 years ago, the Nigerian U-23 team won the nation’s only gold medal in football at the Atlanta ‘96 Olympics. The team’s return to Atlanta to train for the Rio Olympics is a thing of joy for Coach Samson Siasia, who said before departing Abuja that a return to the Atlanta area makes sense.

“Coming back to Atlanta 20 years after winning the gold medal will instill confidence in our team. The summer climate, which is similar to Rio’s, will allow the team to further build physically and mentally every day that we train,” Siasia said.

For Judith Chime, who resides in the city, Siasia and his boys need support of Nigerian residents in Atlanta to shape up properly for the Rio Olympics.

After goalkeeper Ann Agumanu conceded three goals in the first half, Coach Ismalia Mabo brought in Chime and she did wonders, helping the team to score three quick goals in the last eight minutes before the Brazilians struck from a free kick in the extra time to win the game 4-3.

Chime said in her message at the weekend: “Hello everybody, it is almost time for our Olympics team to go out and make us proud, but they decided to come to Atlanta before living for Brazil. So please l will like all Nigerians living in Atlanta to come and support the team in their first friendly game on Saturday (July 16). Please lets show them our love. l have tickets for the game ($20-40), so let me know if you want to buy.”

President of NFF, Amaju Pinnick said recently that Nigerian team’s history in Atlanta was not the only reason of taking the Rio bound Olympics team for a training camp in the city.