Why Dream Team VI Failed To Win Gold

MY OPINION ON WHY WE FAILED TO WIN GOLD AT THE RIO OLYMPIC GAMES.
Comment by Michael Osareme| Twitter: @MichaelImianvan

Not so many Nigerians expected the Dream Team VI to perform wonders at the Rio Games, but when we were into the semi finals, football fans started having faith that the team can emulate the great Atlanta 1996 squad, who won Africa's first ever Olympic gold at the games.

Reasons are plenty why we failed to make it to the final let alone win gold. however, I shall be dwelling on just three reasons I think hindered the team; TECHNICAL ABILITY, MOTIVATION, SUSPENDED PLAYERS.

TECHNICAL ABILITY: You cant compare our team's technical ability to top opposition at the Rio Games, our match against Germany bitterly exposed this. The truth was Germany's technicality were far above ours they knew what to do when in possession and not in possession of the ball and the groups of players that came to this games knew themselves from U17 level but in Nigeria's case, its the reverse. Since we couldn't match their technical ability, we have to rely on Motivation.

MOTIVATION: Going into the Rio games, Nigeria had issues with camp allowances, they had arrived Manaus, Brazil 5hours before kick off, and before they played Denmark in the quarters they boycotted a day training because of money issue. Before the Germany match, the team were paid 11days allowances which was due to them.
How on earth will you want to play Germany and you don't motivate this guys, let alone win gold? Of course, you won't get the desired result.

SUSPENDED PLAYERS: Imagine a Dream Team VI with the likes of Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Success Isaac, Odion Ighalo et all, How would the team had feared? (Whatever you think within yourself is as good as mine).
Going into the semi final clash against Germany, one thing that cost us that tie was Azubuike's absence, seems no one noticed that guy, he has been superb all tournament long. He is the DM of the team who sits in front of the back four, he allows Mikel and Etebo to roam forward. He did a Sergio Busquet esque at the Olympics
Should Siasia have bring in a capable replacement? Yes, he did but the guy who came in for Azubiuke, Ndifere(sic) Udo, he didn't live up to his billings and that isn't Siasia's fault.
I honestly dont what to talk about Etebo's injury enforced absence. You all know what Etebo brings into this team. He was hugely miss.

So many factors caused us the gold medal but thankfully we came home with at least a bronze medal.

Thank you for going through.

MikeThePundit penned this.

#Cheers.