Paris Olympics: We’re Ready To Surpass Previous Achievements – NOC

• NOC President Habu Gumel revealed that 80 athletes have qualified for the Olympics, with five more expected to join
• The NOC is collaborating with the Ministry of Sports Development to ensure robust preparations and aim for podium success

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) announced yesterday that it has laid the groundwork to surpass the country’s previous achievements at the upcoming Olympics. NOC President Habu Gumel made this statement while receiving reports from committees on the constitution review and the refurbishment of sports infrastructure, particularly at the Amuwo Odofin Olympic Sports Village in Lagos.

Gumel revealed that 80 athletes have already qualified for the Olympics, with an additional five expected to join the team if they qualify.

“We are holding this meeting to update Nigerians on our preparations for the Olympics, scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11 in Paris, and to receive reports from two committees established to advance the NOC’s progress,” said Gumel.

“Regarding the constitution review, the NOC executive committee, the board, the general assembly, and the International Olympic Committee will review the report before finalizing our constitution.”

Gumel updated the athletes’ preparations: “So far, we have about 80 athletes qualified for the Olympics, and we are arranging their training outside the country. Those already abroad are training, and sports federations such as boxing, weightlifting, wrestling, and canoeing have begun local training. Some athletes are in Germany, while others are in America. We are making arrangements to achieve podium success. The Ministry of Sports Development and the NOC collaborate closely to succeed in Paris.”

Reflecting on past achievements, Gumel stated, “The last time we won two gold medals was in Atlanta, USA, in 1996, by Chioma Ajunwa in long jump and the U-23 Dream Team. We are working hard to break that jinx in Paris.”

He emphasized that while winning silver or bronze has never been a major challenge, securing gold has been more elusive. This has driven Team Nigeria’s robust preparations ahead of the Paris Olympics.

The Secretary-General of NOC, Tunde Popoola, appealed to the Federal Government for timely and sufficient funding to enable the country to achieve its desired results at the Olympics.