The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has called on Nigerian athletes to approach the upcoming African Championships in Cameroon as an essential preparation for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
This call to action was detailed in a statement released by Diana-Mary Nsan, Senior Assistant on Media to the Minister, on Thursday, June 20, 2024.
Senator Enoh emphasised the significance of the African Championships as a “dress rehearsal” for the Olympics, encouraging athletes to use this opportunity to refine their performance and competitive edge.
“The African Athletics Championship should serve as a dress rehearsal for the Olympics,” Enoh stated.
“I charge all our flag bearers to represent the green and white flag with pride and aim to bring back the first position trophy at the end of the tournament.”
READ MORE: Amusan leads loaded Nigerian contingent to African Athletics Championship
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has announced a strong team of 40 athletes, including notable names such as Tobi Amusan, Favour Ofili, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, and Chidi Okezie.
These athletes are some of Nigeria’s top talents and are expected to perform exceptionally at the Championships in Douala.
Enoh urged the athletes to represent Nigeria with pride and aim to win the first-position trophy.
He highlighted the importance of the championship in preparing for the Olympic podium, stating: “The African Athletics Championship should serve as a dress rehearsal for the Olympics.
The Minister advised the athletes to be mindful of their diet and hydration, recognizing the critical nature of this Olympic year and the increased scrutiny they will face.
The African Championships will provide a competitive environment similar to that of the Olympics, helping athletes to gauge their readiness and make necessary adjustments.
Competing against some of Africa’s best athletes will test the Nigerian contingent’s ability to perform under pressure, a crucial factor for Olympic success.
