President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday urged members of Team Nigeria participating in the ongoing 2016 Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro, to win and return with laurels at the end of the event.
He expressed optimism that the country's team will put up an impressive showing to delight fellow countrymen.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, quoted him as saying this in a message he sent to the Nigerian Olympic contingent on Friday.
The President was further quoted as saying that he hoped that the victory of Nigeria's Under 23 football team, the "Dream Team Six" over their Japanese opponents in the early hours of Friday would serve as an inspiration to the entire contingent of the grand show Nigerians expect from all the athletes.
Buhari said, "On behalf of the government and people of our great country, I wish to express my support to our athletes who have arrived in Rio for the 2016 Olympic Games.
"I am particularly delighted by the outcome of the football match early this morning (Friday) in which our football team defeated their Japanese counterparts.
"The sweetness of the victory comes from the fact that it came against all odds. Our team overcame several challenges to put up a sterling performance. This is a good beginning."
The President also praised the resilience, hard work and patriotism that the athletes have put into their preparations.
"I am already aware that you have made personal sacrifices in your journey to the Olympic Games. The motivation comes from strong discipline and the love of the nation.
"As you embark on the search for honours for the nation, I seize this opportunity to assure our Olympians that you have my support and those of all Nigerians.
"Go! Win and return with laurels, I wish you the best," the President said.
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