Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has stated that Team Nigeria is primed for success and has no excuse to fail, as the nation counts down to the start of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
He emphasized that with the full backing of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Government, which approved 100% of the Olympic budget, the onus now lies on the contingent to repay the President’s goodwill and make the nation proud.
During his address at the official handover ceremony of the athletes to the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria in Abuja, Senator Enoh expressed high expectations and confidence in the abilities of the athletes.
“We have no excuse to fail,” Senator Enoh stated. “The President has approved the entire budget, and it is now up to us to reciprocate this goodwill by making the nation proud. Expectations are high, and I have faith in the abilities of our athletes.”
Nigeria will be represented by 87 athletes participating in 12 sports at the 2024 Olympic Games.
Additionally, Nigeria will participate in 4 sports in the Paralympic Games. The country has a strong history of success at the Paralympic Games, having won 40 gold medals, 19 silver medals, and 21 bronze medals, totaling 80 medals to date. The nation is set to extend its medal haul in Paris.
Senator Enoh highlighted the importance of the athletes’ preparations, noting that the foreign training tours for different sports were approved for their physical, technical, and tactical readiness.
Breakdown of Team Nigeria contingent
Athletics: 35 athletes
Women’s Football: 18 athletes
Women’s Basketball: 12 athletes
Wrestling: 6 athletes
Table Tennis: 4 athletes
Boxing: 3 athletes
Canoeing: 2 athletes
Weightlifting: 2 athletes
Aquatics: 2 athletes
Cycling: 1 athlete