Nigeria, Aug. 17 -- The historic feat made by Nigeria at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games is still fresh in the minds of many even after over two decades.

That feat etched Nigeria's name in the history books as the first black nation to win the football gold at the Olympics.

Several years after, a member of the winning team, Garba Lawal tells PREMIUM TIMES that the victory in the United States also helped win many new 'football converts' especially among the women in Nigeria's conservative northern region.

Mr. Lawal speaks on other issues including his sojourn in Tunisia and Holland during his playing career.

Enjoy excerpts from the interview.

Since retiring from active football, what have you been doing?

A lot, but right now, I am in...