U-23 Nations Cup: Buhari lauds Dream Team VI

President Muhammadu Buhari has praised the winning spirit of Nigeria’s Under-23 team for defeating Algeria in the finals of the Under-23 Africa Nations Cup championship played Saturday in Senegal.

A press statement issued , weekend, by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said Buhari noted with delight that this was the first time that Nigeria attained the soccer glory in this particular category.

According to the President, “the boys have worked incredibly and admirably so hard to bring national glory to Nigeria, adding that” their tenacity and the passion to excel were factors that propelled the Un­der 23 team to victory.”

Buhari said he was proud of the talented and determined young Nigerians for win­ning laurels for the country and breaking the record of giving Nigeria that opportu­nity for the first time.

He said his administration would give them every support and active encouragement to excel in the future.

According to the President, his government would always reward hard work and excellence.

He however advised the players to sus­tain the standard they have attained.

Meanwhile, the victorious Dream Team VI, which lifted the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations on Saturday night, will return Monday.

Meanwhile, all the three overseas – based professionals – Captain Azubuike Okechukwu and forwards Junior Ajayi and Taiwo Awoniyi have returned to their different clubs and will not be part of the delegation arriving Nigeria.

The three players departed for their bas­es immediately after the team returned to its Alafifa Hotel base from the Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor on Saturday night.