Nigerian athletes have been urged by Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of Sports Development, to aim high for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
During the formal handover and farewell ceremony for the Team Nigeria contingent heading to the Games on Monday in Abuja, he delivered this message.
Senator Enoh also emphasized the value of perseverance and hard effort in his remarks, encouraging Nigerian athletes to aim for podium places in Paris.
Additionally, he declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to athletic achievement, has completely approved the Games’ budget.
Enoh therefore urged Team Nigeria to represent the country and the President with pride in Paris.
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“We have no excuse whatsoever,” said Senator Enoh.
“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.”
To guarantee the participants’ physical, technical, and tactical preparedness for the Games, Senator Enoh also emphasized the significance of overseas training tours for several sports.
“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.”
