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The Chelsea midfielder and Super Eagles captain will be assisted by female table tennis star Funke Oshonaike at the Olympics scheduled to hold from August 5 to 21.

Mikel is making his first appearance at the Olympic Games after being named as one of two over-aged players invited to the Nigeria U23 squad for the men’s football event.

His assistant Oshonaike will be making her sixth appearance at the Olympics in the women’s table tennis event after she debuted at Atlanta 1996.

In a statement, the sports ministry explained that the chioce of the duo was due to ‘their consistency, patriotism and dedication to national assignments.’

“Mikel is a young, patriotic footballer of international status and we believe he will be a role model to the upcoming athletes while Funke Oshonaike is experienced and is one of the oldest athletes in the team.

“We believe that their combined efforts will bring goodwill to Team Nigeria and project the county’s image positively to the world.”

Meanwhile, the Dream Team VI will leave their training camp base in Atlanta, USA, to Rio on July 29 – the same day other athletes will leave Nigeria.


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