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The Nigeria U-23 squad, the Dream Team VI, will begin its final preparations for the men’s football tournament of this year’s Olympics, as they depart the country today for the Suwon Invitational Tournament in South Korea.

Led by Samson Siasia, who also steered Nigeria’s last squad at the men’s football tournament of the Olympics (Beijing 2008) to runner–up spot, the African champions have self belief they are good enough for gold in Rio de Janeiro in August.

“Not many people gave us a chance going to the African finals in Senegal. We love it that way because so much focus is on the other teams and we are able to concentrate on devising our own strategies.

“The last time I took the U-23 to the Olympics, we won silver. This time, we will aim for gold,” said Siasia.

Meanwhile, defender Segun Oduduwa has been knocked out of the trip as a result of injury.

Team doctor, Sam Ogbondeminu said Oduduwa suffered the injury after he was badly tackled during one of the team's last training sessions at the practice pitch of the National Stadium, Abuja, disclosing that for now the player has been stabilized, but would miss the Suwan tournament.

Reacting to the news, head coach of the team, Samson Siasia said that due to the fact that the nature of the player’s injury has been confirmed so close to the team’s departure, the technical crew cannot get a replacement, and as such only 19 players will be going to South Korea instead of the 20 earlier selected.

A disappointed Siasia added: "I hope the doctors work round the clock to remedy this unfortunate incident so that Oduduwa can return to training on time and be fit for the Rio Olympics, as he has been an integral part of this team from the beginning.