Beijing experience tickles Anichebe

By Saliu Gbadamosi - 28.08.2008

AnichebeBEIJING Olympics silver medallist, Victor Anichebe feels fulfilled being part of the success story of Nigeria’s men’s Olympic football team, Dream Team IV, at the Games of the 29th Olympiad, Beijing 2008 Olympics.

The Samson Siasia-tutored side won the silver medal of the men’s football event, narrowly losing to Argentina, which it had beaten 3-2 12 years ago in the final of Atlanta ’96 Olympics, 0-1 in last Saturday final.

Reviewing his Olympic sojourn, the Everton FC striker told The Telegraph that winning the silver medal with the Dream Team IV was the biggest achievement of his career, noting that he never expected to experience such ‘a great achievement’.

“To win the silver medal is for me incredible. I could never in my wildest dreams have expected to experience something like this.

“It is a little disappointing, as we were so close to getting gold. But silver is still a great achievement.

We had to battle hard to get to the final. And look at Brazil. Even with Ronaldinho in their team they only got a bronze medal. I’m sure they would prefer to be in our position.

“We lost to a very good team but there is no shame in that. We got to the final and won a silver medal at the Olympics. It’s the biggest achievement of my career without a doubt and one of the greatest things that’s ever happened to me. I can’t wait to get home and show everyone the medal,” Anichebe said.

The striker, who made his debut appearance in Nigerian colours last March in Abuja during a Beijing Olympics qualifier against South Africa, expressed satisfaction going to Beijing for the Games, saying he had never experienced anything like it before in his life.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this. I’m so pleased that I came to the Olympics. It wasn’t easy but it’s been totally worth the effort involved in getting here.”

He, however, stated that he wanted to retun to action as soon as possible for the Toffees, noting that the club needed him now that it did not make any big signings during the off season.

“It is difficult for my club. They haven’t made big signings yet this summer, and they have some injuries, so the squad is not that large at the moment and they need me. I want to be back with them as soon as I can, but this was an incredible opportunity and I don’t regret playing in the Olymp-ics at all.”