‘Our expectations are high’ – Sports Minister says Nigeria team excels at Olympics

Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has urged Nigerian athletes to do their best at the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

He delivered this message on Monday in Abuja during the official handover and farewell ceremony of the Nigerian Team contingent heading to the Olympics.

In his speech, Senator Enoh encouraged the athletes to strive for the podium, while highlighting the importance of hard work and dedication.

He also announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had fully approved the budget for the Olympics, demonstrating his strong commitment to sporting excellence.

Enoh therefore asked Team Nigeria to make the President and the nation proud in Paris.

“We have no excuse whatsoever,” Senator Enoh said.

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“The President has approved the entire budget for the Olympics and Paralympics, so it is our duty to repay the President’s goodwill and give him a reason to continue to do more.

“This is not the first time he has done this. In December, he did the same for our men’s and women’s football teams by paying off their outstanding salaries. He has done the same for our Olympic and Paralympic contingents.”

Senator Enoh also highlighted the importance of overseas training tours for various sports, which aim to ensure the physical, technical and tactical readiness of athletes for the Olympics.

“Given the efforts of the Government and the Ministry, as well as well-meaning institutions, it is important for the athletes engaged in this national duty to consider themselves as ambassadors, as ambassadors of Nigeria. We expect discipline, honesty, commitment and responsibility to perform well and with dignity on the podium.”

“Our expectations are high, and given my interactions with the athletes, I am confident these expectations will be met,” he added.

The ceremony also featured the official launch of Team Nigeria’s kit that will be used in Paris.

The Olympics will take place between Friday, July 26, 2024 and Sunday, August 11, 2024.

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