Nigerian athletes urged to use African Championship as Olympic rehearsal

Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh has encouraged Nigerian athletes to treat the upcoming African Championship in Cameroon as a vital practice for the Olympic Games in Paris later this year.

This message was shared in a statement by Diana-Mary Nsan, Senior Assistant on Media to the Minister of Sports Development, on Thursday, Junev20, 2024.

Enoh’s statement followed the announcement from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) of a strong team of 40 athletes who will represent the country at the African Championships in Douala.

Among the top athletes named are Tobi Amusan, Favour Ofili, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, and Chidi Okezie, some of Nigeria’s biggest sports stars heading to the competition.

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The Minister stressed the importance of the African Championships as a preparation for the Olympics, underlining its role in helping athletes aim for success at the world’s biggest sports event in Paris.

“The African Athletics Championship should serve as a dress rehearsal for the Olympics,” Enoh said.

“I urge all our athletes to represent Nigeria with pride and aim to win the first place trophy at the end of the tournament.”

He also advised the athletes to be careful about their diet and hydration, noting the importance of this Olympic year and the increased attention they will receive.