As the countdown to the 2024 Paris Olympics intensifies, Team Nigeria is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations for the global sporting event. The Federal Ministry of Sports Development has announced the commencement of domestic camping for athletes in three states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with the aim of building team cohesion and enhancing their readiness for the Games.
The domestic camping will take place in Lagos, Bayelsa, Ibadan, and the FCT, with the ministry working closely with the presidents, secretaries, and technical directors of the 11 Olympic-bound sports federations. The Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, emphasized the importance of proper preparations, stating that foreign training tours will follow immediately after the domestic camp.
“The combination of domestic camping and foreign training tours is essential. It ensures our athletes are well-prepared and ready to compete at the highest level,” Enoh said.
The minister also expressed the ministry’s commitment to surpassing Nigeria’s best Olympic performance, achieved at the Atlanta 1996 Games. He stressed the need to build on past successes and strive for excellence in Paris 2024.
“Surpassing our best Olympic performance is a goal that we should target to meet. We must build on our past successes and strive for excellence in Paris 2024,” Enoh said.
The ministry has mapped out a comprehensive roadmap and technical training programme for Team Nigeria, which will be analyzed by the Federation and Elite Athletes Department (FEAD) and the Ministerial Podium Performance Committee. This strategic approach aims to provide athletes with the best possible preparation, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities and expert coaching.
As of now, 88 athletes have qualified for the Olympics, while others are still in the qualification process. The domestic camps and foreign training tours are expected to help the remaining athletes secure their spots and ensure that Team Nigeria is well-represented in Paris.
The decision to commence domestic camping in June aligns with the ministry’s goal of leaving no stone unturned in its preparations. By providing athletes with the necessary support and resources, Team Nigeria aims to make a strong impression at the Paris Olympics and potentially surpass its previous best performance.
The success of Team Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics will not only bring pride to the nation but also inspire the younger generation to pursue their sporting dreams. As the country gears up for the Games, the support and encouragement of the Nigerian people will be crucial in motivating the athletes to give their best and make the nation proud.
