"It’s a tournament that I will never be able to forget" - Victor Ikpeba reflects on 1996 Olympics gold conquest
Victor Ikpeba who was a member of the star-studded Nigerian team that included Jay-Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, and Nwankwo Kanu when the Super Eagles of Nigeria won gold at the 1996 Olympics, which took place 28 years ago has revealed that it's a tournament that he won't be able to forget, Nigeriasoccernet.com gathered.
Ikpeba, who was a member of the Super Eagles' golden generation, won the gold medal precisely two years after the team was crowned African champions in 1994.
The former Super Eagles striker spoke with CAFOnline on his Olympic experiences as the world championship draws nearer over the coming months.
"I was so happy to participate. Pride too when I remember the teams that we beat, Mexico in the quarter-final, Brazil in the semi-final, then Argentina in the final. We Africans have shown that this is possible. It’s a tournament that I will never be able to forget".
On the parade of stars that participated, "Yes! We just become kids again. A few months ago, we were invited to Cameroon by the a gala match against the 2000 generation of the Indomitable Lions, for a remake of our African Cup of Nations final. I can tell you that it was as if we had never left each other".
"There is a lot of respect between us, we support each other from our different backgrounds, that gold medal has undoubtedly bonded us. I think it would be good to set up a WhatsApp group, just to check in on each other more often".
On what the Olympics means, "For all athletes it is an accomplishment. It is the most followed event on the planet. This makes us even more patriotic because we want to place our country on the Olympic map".
"Imagine winning them like we did in 1996, it’s even more special. People look at you differently because you are an Olympic champion".
By Olaleye Oluwadamilola
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