Coach Samson Siasia has commended his players, especially the Captain, John Mikel Obi, for ensuring that the country did not fail to return with a medal.
Siasia also thanked the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Gumel, and the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, for their contributions to the achievement.
He said: “I want to say thanks to the players.
“They did a great job.
“It is good to take something home.”
Siasia spoke after winning the bronze medal of the men’s football event of the Rio 2016 Olympics in Brazil.
He added: “Having bronze is not easy.
“We are happy and we have to celebrate.
“We have to enjoy this moment.”
Siasia also thanked the Brazilian crowd for being there for the team throughout the matches involving Nigeria at the Games that ended on August 21.
He said: “I want to thank Brazil for the great support and hospitality.
“We are very pleased staying here.”
Reacting, Obi said at the Mineirao Stadium: “I was disappointed against Germany, where we lost 0-2 in the semifinals because I don’t like losing.
“I always want to win.
“But I am so proud of this team.
“The boys worked so hard.”
Obi said of Coach Siasia: “We have an amazing coach.
“He’s always been there for his boys.”
Obi added that winning a medal meant a lot to Nigerians, adding: “It is very important because football in Nigeria is absolutely massive.
“We had extra-pressure but we have done it for us, for our family, for Nigeria.”
Gumel, the leader of Team Nigeria to the Games, said: “I commend you for relieving all Nigerians at home and abroad all the tension that marked our presence at the Games.
“It is rewarding to at least take home a bronze.
“I know it could have been better.
“They have broken a jinx of returning home empty handed since the last London 2012 Olympic Games.
“Opportunities are there for us all to plan for the future.”