Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has urged Nigerian athletes to aim for top performances at the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
He delivered this message on Monday in Abuja during the official handover and farewell ceremony for the Team Nigeria contingent heading to the Games.
In his speech, Senator Enoh encouraged the athletes to strive for podium finishes, highlighting the significance of hard work and dedication.
He also announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has fully approved the budget for the Games, showcasing his strong commitment to sporting excellence.
Enoh therefore called on Team Nigeria to make both the President and the nation proud in Paris.
“We have no excuse whatsoever,” said Senator Enoh.
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“The President has approved the entire budget for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, so it is up to us to try to reciprocate the goodwill of the President and give him reasons to continue to do more.
“It is not the first time he has done this. In December, he did the same for our male and female football teams by paying backlogs of salaries. He has done the same for our contingent going to the Olympics and Paralympics.”
Senator Enoh also highlighted the importance of the foreign training tours for different sports, aimed at ensuring the physical, technical, and tactical readiness of the athletes for the Games.
“Given the effort of both the Government and the Ministry, as well as well-meaning agencies, it is important that the athletes involved in this national call of duty regard themselves as performing an ambassadorial function, as ambassadors of Nigeria. We expect discipline, honesty, commitment, and responsibility to perform creditably well for podium placements.”
“Our expectations are high, and given my interactions with our athletes, I have no doubt that these expectations will be met,” he added.
The ceremony also featured the official unveiling of Team Nigeria’s kits to be used in Paris.
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