Bronze better than nothing, Coach Izilein tells Dream Team

Godwin Izilein, a former coach of the Super Falcons, on Friday appealed to the Dream Team VI to play well and win the bronze medal.Izilein said that winning the bronze was better than not getting anything.The football tactician identified late preparation for major events as responsible for the poor performance of Nigerian sportsmen and women in tournaments.He called on administrators of sports in the country to be alive to their responsibilities by ensuring early preparation for tournaments. He said, “I still salute their courage, considering what they went through. It takes people with lion heart to easily come out of what they went through.“I will urge them to concentrate well for the bronze medal. We need it, it is better than not having anything at all.“Why are we always starting late in terms of preparation?“As we speak, some countries are already planning for the 2020 games.”˜’Here, we only start rushing things when it is two or three months to a major tournament and expect the athletes to perform wonders.”The Dream Team VI, despite challenges while in camp, qualified for the semi-finals of the football event of the Rio Olympic games.The team lost 0-2 to Germany in the semi-final and will meet Honduras for the third place match on Saturday.(NAN)