Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has urged Team Nigeria to surpass the country’s historic performance at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics in the upcoming Paris 2024 Games.
During a ceremony at Moshood Abiola Stadium on Monday, where athletes were officially handed over to the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN), Enoh emphasized the need to eclipse Nigeria’s best Olympic showing to date.
“We must overcome our performance in Atlanta 1996, and we want to do so in a clean way; there is no better time to do so than now,” Enoh declared.
The Atlanta Games saw Nigeria clinch two gold, one silver, and two bronze medals, marking the country’s most successful Olympic outing.
The minister’s challenge comes with unprecedented support, as he revealed President Bola Tinubu has approved the entire budget submitted for the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.
“The President has approved the entire budget, so it is up to us and the athletes to try to reciprocate that gesture,” Enoh stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to sports development.
With Nigerian athletes qualifying in 12 Olympic and four Paralympic sports, expectations are high for a strong showing in Paris. The minister highlighted the comprehensive preparation efforts, including participation in recent Commonwealth Games and African Games.
NOC President Habu Gumel echoed the minister’s optimism, assuring that Team Nigeria would make the country proud given the level of preparation and funding.