Super Eagles midfielder, John Mikel Obi, who is one of the three over-aged players invited to the national U-23 football team, will make his first appearance at an Olympic Games, as he has been named captain of Team Nigeria to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio which begins August 5, 2016.
Funke Oshonaike, a table tennis star, was named the assistant team captain. This will be Oshonaike’s 6th appearance at the Olympics after she debuted at Atlanta ’96.
A statement from the Sports Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Nneka Ikem-Anibeze, stated that Mikel Obi and Funke Oshonaike were chosen because of their consistency, patriotism and dedication to national assignments, the sports ministry said.
“Mikel is a young, patriotic footballer of international status and we believe he will be a role model to the upcoming athletes while Funke Oshonaike is experienced and is one of the oldest athletes in the team.
“We believe that their combined efforts will bring goodwill to TEAM NIGERIA and project the country’s image positively to the world.”
The Dream Team VI is expected to depart for Rio from Atlanta USA on July 29, as other athletes hopefully, will leave Nigeria on the same day.
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