The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has urged Nigerian athletes to view the upcoming African Championship in Cameroon as an ideal warm-up for the Olympic Games in Paris later this year.
Diana-Mary Nsan, the Minister of Sports Development’s Senior Media Assistant, revealed this in a statement on Thursday.
Enoh made this statement after the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) revealed a strong roster of 40 athletes who will compete for their nation in the African Championships in Douala.
Some of the greatest names in Nigeria going into the battle are Tobi Amusan, Favour Ofili, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, and Chidi Okezie.
The Minister emphasized the importance of this championship as a precursor to the Olympics, highlighting its role in preparing athletes for podium success at the world’s biggest sporting event in Paris.
“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.”
He also advised the athletes to be cautious about their diet and hydration, noting the significance of this Olympic year and the heightened scrutiny they will face.
