EXCLUSIVE
Nigeria U23 forward Taiwo Awoniyi has praised the hardwork and technical nous that secured his side a ticket to the men's football event of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil after Wednesday's 1-0 defeat of Senegal.
Oghenekaro Etebo's
strike from the penalty spot was all coach Samson Siasia's men needed to
earn a 1-0 semifinal victory against the hosts at the
Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium in Dakar.
Nigeria last
appeared at the Olympics in 2008, where Siasia led the team to a silver medal
finish.
Despite not
featuring in the match due to injury, Awoniyi expressed delight at being
part of the success story at the tournament and hailing Nigerians for
their support.
"I'm
very happy. We as a team are super delighted at making this happen for our
country," Awoniyi told Goal.
"I'm
personally feeling great being part of the team achieving this amazing feet.
It's God and the great coaching we got from our technical crew led by coach
Samson Siasia.
"Once
again, I'm greatful to God for the opportunity and must appreciate
Nigerians for their support and prayers.
"I must
also thank the coach for the opportunity to be part of the achievement and
I promise Nigerians that we will come out stronger in the final," he
concluded.
Nigeria will
face Algeria, who defeated their South Africa 2-0, in the final
on Saturday, December 12 at the Léopold-Sédar-Senghor Stadium.
The winner
between South Africa and hosts Senegal in the third place match of the
tournament will fill the final African spot for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Nigeria
joins hosts Brazil, Algeria, Honduras, Mexico, Argentina, Fiji, Denmark,
Germany, Portugal, Sweden to complete the 11 countries that have qualified
for the 16-team event. Culled from goal.com
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