By Samuel Akpan
Long-term planning and talent scouting have primed Nigeria’s team for a 16 to 20 gold medal target at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, backed by a strict warning that any misconduct will lead to expulsion.
NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, at the unveiling of the official Team Nigeria kit for the games at the media centre of Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Thursday, hailed the preparations as timely and comprehensive.
“This is a clear demonstration of timely preparation. We have been preparing well ahead of the Games, from talent scouting to where we are today,” Persecondnews correspondent at the event quotes Dikko as saying.
He revealed the medal targets, adding, “We will provide immediate motivation. By arriving 20 days early, the team will have ample time to acclimatize and maximize their peak performance.”
The Commission is confident these goals are realistic through hard work, pointing to past events where well-prepared underdogs upset established favourites as proof that superior preparation makes the difference.
This philosophy has driven their entire preparation, ensuring every detail is covered in the quest for international success.
On his part, the Director General, Bukola Olopade, noted that once targets are set, the team works relentlessly to meet them, a commitment that has defined the Commission’s activities over the recent period.
“We believe in projections. Once a projection is submitted, we work tirelessly towards achieving it, and that is exactly what we have done,” Olopade said.
He said experience has shown with proper preparation, any athlete can be defeated, pointing to previous competitions where favourites missed the podium.
“For the past one and a half years, it has been sleepless nights for me, members of the Commission and my team. But to whom much is given, much is expected,” he stated, warning that the line has been drawn on discipline.
No athlete, regardless of stature, will be spared expulsion for misbehaviour or spreading negative narratives on social media, he warned.
Former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, offered words of encouragement to the team: “I congratulate you in advance because you have the privilege of wearing the Nigerian jersey. Emulate patriotism and you will excel.
“If you do better than the best, you can become champions and make Nigeria proud. This is what Nigeria requires of you: until the very end, keep striving, keep pushing and you will do Nigeria great.”
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