Posted by From Sport desk on
Nigeria's national Under-23 football team, the Dream Team IV, were able to leave for Malasia on Wednesday for an 8 nation invitational tournament after a finance induced delay.
Nigeria's national Under-23 football team, the Dream Team IV, were able to leave for Malasia on Wednesday for an 8 nation invitational tournament after a finance induced delay.
KickOffNigeria.com understands that the trip to Malaysia as well as their training tour to Portugal for the Olympics were both threatened by the poor finances of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA).
In addition, the organisers failed to confirm their reservations for Tuesday, meaning that the team could only depart for Malaysia on Wednesday, to arrive on the day they were scheduled to play their opening game on May 15.
Organsiers have consequently moved Nigeria's opening game against Iraq to May 21.
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Amos Adamu, is said to have come in at the last minute to approve and release funds for the trip to Malaysia as well as the trip to Portugal, a development that elated Samson Siasia.
'Of course, I am very happy we are finally leaving for Malaysia and also Portugal and I must thank Amos Adamu for that," Siasia said as the team departed Nigeria on Wednesday.
'It is not like I blame the NFA because there was no money and if there is no money, there is nothing any body can do.
'It is not the NFA's fault. My joy is that we can finally use this to kick start our preparations for the Olympic Games and then face the camping in Portugal."
He said the camp in Portugal has its advantages.
'I like the place because of the facilities present and also because of its serene nature that will help our concentration."