Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) president, Engineer Habu Gumel has expressed happiness with the selection of 11 sports stars from the country for the International Olympic Committee scholarship scheme, but added that more slots are needed by the nation.
Sports247.ng reports that, while Gumel described the IOC’s gesture as a welcome development, he noted that only 11 stars could be selected by Nigeria from a horde of applications by several interested athletes.
The NOC boss also noted that this year’s figures is less than the number of Nigerian beneficiaries in the previous scheme as 12 benefited from the IOC scholarship last time out.
He, however, admitted that the process will go a long way in exposing the athletes to quality training facilities, specialized coaches, regular medical aid, scientific assistance, as well as reduced lodging costs and travel expenses to Olympic Games qualification competitions.
Gumel then appealed to corporate organizations to support and sponsor Nigerian athletes, thereby easing burden from the federal government, sports federations and individuals as towards Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
This time, the list of beneficiaries is led by fast rising 100 metres hurdler and 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Tobi Amusan as well as Portugal-based table tennis player, Aruna Quadri.
Others are Commonwealth Games wrestling champion in the 53kg category, Odunayo Adekuoroye, Blessing Oborodudu (wrestling) and Nathaniel Glory Onome (athletics), Nathaniel Samson (athletics).
The list includes Adeniyi Aminat (wrestling), Adesanmi Oluwatoyin (weightlifting), Italy based table tennis talent, Omotayo Olajide and taekwondo duo of Adamu Abubakar and Otuadinma Uzoamaka.
Gumel disclosed: “These 11 athletes were carefully selected out of the numerous applications from Nigerian athletes home and abroad.
“We would have wanted more slots, but we just had to make do with the available slots given to Nigeria by IOC.”
