Nigerians hail Olympic football team's win in Malaysia

LAGOS, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Soccer enthusiasts have hailed the national Under-23 team's victory in the eight-nation Intercontinental Tournament in Malaysia.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, some have expressed confidence that the men's U-23 team could have an easy ride during the Beijing Olympics Games in China.

The team, handled by Samson Siasia, recorded a 2-0 win over Australia on Sunday to win the tournament.

Adegboye Onigbinde, former chief coach of the national team, hailed the victory and described it as a morale-booster that would motivate the team to excel at the Beijing Olympics.

He said the players and officials should continue to work hard towards their objective of winning Olympic soccer gold for the country in Beijing.

The FIFA technical committee member, emphasized on the need for the team officials to draw up a training program for the team towards the Olympics in August.

"I am happy with the Dream Team, and I am happy for Nigeria too," he said.

Spokesperson for the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Ademola Olajire said the association was elated at the team's victory.

"NFA is filled with joy at the team's victory and the Soccer House rejoices with the members of the squad and their officials," Olajire said.

He assured the team of the NFA's support, adding that it would provide all what the officials needed to repeat the Atlanta Olympics' feat by winning the gold in Beijing.