Sports Minister John Enoh has assured the Nigerian contingent for the All African Games 2024 that the federal government will reward their efforts more than lavishly.
“Do what nobody has done; shatter every available record in Accra,” he said.
The Minister made the call on Tuesday onboard the aircraft scheduled to take them to Ghana for the Games.
Enoh urged the athletes to replicate or go one more step than the Super Eagles, who finished in second place at the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
Nigeria’s performance at the 2003 African Games in Abuja remains unmatched across all editions in which it competed.
Nigeria was ranked first after winning 85 gold, 90 silver, and 65 bronze, for a total of 240 medals.
He said: “With a country with over 200 million people, you have the privilege to represent a country with such a number. I have to encourage you to go make yourselves and the country proud.
“Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has come in with quite a lot of initiative to benefit the country, and the sporting sector is not left out. When you step out in Accra to compete, be rest assured that the country is clapping and cheering you.
“Nigerians are very hopeful that, at the end of the games, we will top the medal table. I am going to be in Accra personally for some of the games to also motivate you.
“I will make sure that none of your entitlements are left unpaid; compete wholeheartedly. The ministry is working tirelessly to ensure that you won’t be shortchanged.
“Let me remind you that you carry the hopes and aspirations of the entire country. As a government, the current administration will encourage you to excel without any hindrance.”
The Minister also lauded the effort of the table tennis contingent already at the games for securing the country’s first medal.
Persecondnews reports that table tennis star Offiong Edem secured a bronze medal in the women’s singles event at the 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana.
Her effort marks the first medal for Nigeria across the 25 sports disciplines in the competition.
Edem, a star player based in Spain, delivered impressive performances in the knockout stages.
The 13th edition of the African Games will take place from March 8–23.
Persecondnews recalls that the 12th All Africa Games took place in Rabat, Morocco, in 2019, and Nigeria came in second, having won 46 gold medals, 33 silver medals, and 48 bronze medals.
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