The Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has announced that Nigerian athletes who have qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics will commence their training camps on Sunday, June 2. Currently, 88 athletes have secured their spots to represent Nigeria, with the possibility of more joining soon.
The athletes will train in Abuja and three states across Nigeria: Lagos, Bayelsa, and Oyo. Following their domestic training, they will embark on a camping tour in countries near France, which could include Germany, Spain, Italy, and the United States. This approach aims to enhance their preparation for the Olympics, set to take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
During a strategic technical meeting attended by the presidents, secretaries, and technical directors of the 11 Olympic-bound sports federations, Minister Enoh emphasized the importance of a combination of domestic and international training. He stated, “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.”
The minister also highlighted the ministry’s ambition to surpass Nigeria’s best Olympic performance, achieved at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. “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,” he added.