By Aderonke Ojo
National Sports Commission (NSC) Director-General, Bukola Olopade, has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring adequate preparation, welfare and support for Team Nigeria ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olopade spoke in Abuja after strategic meetings with sports federations, including American Flag Football, Karate and Mixed Martial Arts.
He described the engagements as productive and aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s sporting ecosystem.
“Today has been a very busy day. We held meetings with several federations, and most of the discussions were successful.
“We are still working to resolve some outstanding issues with the Karate Federation. I am confident a resolution will be reached very soon,” he said.
Olopade said preparations for the Commonwealth Games and Nigeria’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign were key sporting priorities over the next two months.
According to him, the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, has provided substantial support and funding for major international competitions.
“We have been working for several weeks and months on plans for the Commonwealth Games, while the Nigeria Football Federation is also preparing for WAFCON.
“As we speak, the Super Falcons are playing Senegal in Ikenne. Nigerians always expect the very best from our athletes internationally,” he said.
Olopade said athlete welfare remained the cornerstone of the commission’s preparations.
“We have consistently maintained that athlete welfare remains our top priority.
“Today’s discussions centred on welfare packages, travel arrangements and support measures to ensure our athletes are comfortable and adequately prepared,” he said.
He disclosed that some athletes would travel in business class, while Team Nigeria’s competition and training kits had already been produced and packaged.
“For the first time, every athlete’s kit bag will contain close to 20 apparel items.
“Everything is ready for distribution. We are also finalising welfare packages ahead of camping, which begins on June 9 in Abuja,” he said.
Olopade said Team Nigeria would depart for Aberdeen on July 2 after meeting President Tinubu for the nation’s official charge.
“After meeting the President, the athletes will proceed to Aberdeen for another three-and-a-half weeks of camping and training.
“We have secured an excellent training facility there, and I have visited the camp twice to ensure standards worthy of our athletes,” he said.
He also announced that all athletes travelling to Abuja for camp would fly rather than travel by road.
“This decision is about safety, comfort and ensuring that our athletes arrive in camp in the best possible condition,” he said.
On incentives, Olopade confirmed that rewards had been approved for medal-winning athletes.
“Gold, silver and bronze medallists will receive attractive incentives.
“However, I will leave the formal announcement to the Grand Patron of Team Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu,” he said.
The NSC boss expressed confidence that athletes were receiving unprecedented levels of support.
“Our athletes have never had it this good in terms of preparation, welfare and support structures available to them in camp,” he said.
Speaking on medal prospects, Olopade cited an assessment by Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board CEO, Yusuf Ali.
The assessment projects about 16 gold and 20 silver medals for Team Nigeria at the Games.
“While the scientific assessment projects about 16 gold medals; I have challenged the federations to aim higher.
“I believe Nigeria can win at least 20 gold medals. Achieving that would place us among the top five nations at the Commonwealth Games,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
