By Samuel Akpan
Ahead of the historic Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal—marking the first time the Games will be hosted in Africa—young Nigerian athletes have been called upon to serve as patriotic ambassadors through disciplined and dignified performance.
Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), delivered the charge during Tuesday’s send-off event at the Moshood Abiola Stadium Media Centre in Abuja.
“You are history-makers at the first Olympic Games held in Africa,” he said.
“This will mark the beginning of greatness for all of you.”
Olopade urged them to seize the opportunity to represent Nigeria and dream big ahead of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
He assured them of President Bola Tinubu’s fatherly commitment to their growth in sports and education.
“We selected you as the core of our future stars, stay focused, disciplined and passionate about your careers,”he added.
The Commission’s aggressive grassroots drive, including the Invited Junior Athletes programme, has produced these talents now gaining exposure.
The athletes, resplendent in colourful green-and-white national kits, were formally handed over to the Nigeria Olympic Committee. They depart for Dakar on Thursday.
NOC President Engr. Habu Gumel assured they would be well looked after by the IOC and NOC, compete clean and return clean.
More than 2,700 athletes will contest in Dakar from October 31 to November 13.
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