The Nigeria Ministry of Sports Development, led by Senator John Owan Enoh, has emphasized its commitment to prioritizing athletes’ welfare and early preparations for the upcoming 2024 All Africa Games (AAG) and Summer 2024 Olympic Games in Accra and Paris, respectively.
Minister Enoh expressed the significance of early preparations for these major continental and global sporting events, noting that providing training camps for athletes well in advance is essential. Early preparations not only put athletes in good shape and under the right conditions but also help them acclimatize to anticipated weather conditions.
The Minister pointed out that elite athletes who receive proper exposure and training before a championship typically perform better. He cited the example of the Jamaican track team, which spent about a month in Budapest before the World Athletics Championships, and the positive impact it had on their performance.
The Ministry is committed to securing training camps for athletes, either within Nigeria or abroad, as needed, to ensure proper preparation, acclimatization, and exposure to facilities before major championships. The challenge arises for some Nigerian athletes who compete abroad, as scheduling conflicts for pre-championship training camps can occur.
Minister Enoh emphasized the Ministry’s determination to work closely with athletes and sports federations to ensure that these plans are executed smoothly and without disruptions.
The All African Games are scheduled to take place in Accra, Ghana, from March 8 to 23, 2024, while the Summer Olympic Games will be held in Paris, France, from July 24 to August 11, 2024
