With just five days to the commencement of the Paris 2024 Olympics, sports development minister, Senator John Owan-Enoh has urged Nigerians to throw their weight behind Team Nigeria’s contingent as they set to do the nation proud at the global sporting fiesta.
Nigeria’s contingent, featuring talented and world-class athletes, is poised to make a significant impact after months of preparation and training. The country is counting on world record holder Oluwatobiloba Amusan, Ese Brume, Blessing Oborodudu, Odunayo Adekouroye, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, Aruna Quadri, and the two Favours (Ashe and Ofili) among others, to surpass its best performance at the quadrennial games, achieved at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
“My aspiration for Team Nigeria is to surpass its best Olympic outing achieved at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, USA.
“Our athletes are putting in tremendous effort and dedication in their preparations. We are confident that with the support of every Nigerian, our team will excel and make the nation proud,” Senator Enoh said
Senator Enoh revealed that the athletes will be fully motivated to excel at the Games, their welfare is a top most priority. “The entire 100 million naira contributed by the Federal House of Representatives will be given to the athletes,” the Minister announced at the parley with journalists in Abuja on Thursday.
“Additionally, domestic camping allowances, foreign training grants, foreign training allowances, Olympic Games allowances, and winning bonuses will be given to ensure our athletes are well-supported,” he said.
A total of 87 athletes will represent Nigeria in 12 sporting events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, starting on Friday, July 26. The sports include athletics, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, weightlifting, wrestling, badminton, boxing, canoeing, cycling, women’s basketball, and women’s football.