National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) will double the scholarship grants of Nigeria athletes ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, Sports247 reports.
The President of ANOCA Mustapha Ibaraf, confirmed this at the Annual General Assembly of the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) that was held on Monday 30 December 2024, virtually.
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Mustafa Ibaraf emphasized the need to double the scholarship budget for Nigerian athletes, as it will strengthen their preparation for Los Angeles 2028.
Ibaraf who was represented by Jonathan Dyagas, Director of Finance for the ANOCA said in his message said that the budgetary increase will aim “to boost African athletes and ensure stronger support on their path to the world’s greatest sporting event”
Also in attendance was the Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, Mallam Sheu Dikko.
According to Dikko, “The Government has initiated a shift from competition-focused strategies to development-driven strategies, with a commitment to grassroots sports and talent identification.” he explained.
Dikko also shed more light on Government commitment to sports development as there have been specific budgetary allocations that will benefit the Nigerian Olympic Committee for the first time in years.
This will allow, among other things, the construction of a permanent NOC headquarters in Abuja and support for preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games.
Dikko also reveals government plans to establish a high-performance centre and improve the country’s sports infrastructure.
“With the Government’s promise to enhance infrastructure, including a high-performance centre and improved facilities, stakeholders across the sports community are urged to collaborate on this transformative vision,” stated Dikko.
The official emphasised that these initiatives aim not only to strengthen sports as an economic industry but also to reposition its role within Nigerian society, which include job creation and ensure a robust and thriving sports industry.
Habu Ahmed Gumel, President of the NOC, on his part said that the Annual General Assembly provided an opportunity to review the year’s activities, present an audited report of the committee, and unveil plans and programmes for the coming years.
The NOC will focus on the Islamic Solidarity Games in October 2025 and the Youth Olympic Games, which will be held from 31 October to 13 November 2026 in Dakar, Senegal.
“All these actions represent a significant step towards Nigeria’s sports development, which seeks to consolidate its position on the global Olympic stage” said Gumel.
Team Nigeria performed below expectations as the country contingents failed to win any medal at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
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