The Ministry of Sports and Youth Development has affirmed that the 308 athletes, comprising of 153 male and 155 female athletes selected in 22 events are ready to win laurels for Nigeria at the 12th All Africa Games in Rabat, Morocco.
Apart from the 308 athletes, there are also 58 coaches, 58 Team Officials and 138 dignitaries to bring the grand total of the country’s delegation to 562.
Addressing the press yesterday in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Olusade Adesola said the athletes are enjoying the necessary support from government for podium performances.
He explained that beginning from July 5, the athletes have been into close camping phase in Abuja, Gombe, Kaduna, Port-Harcourt, Yenagoa and Lagos and would end on August 15 when the delegation will depart for Rabat.
“The Federations have conducted series of close and open trials to assess the athletes’ level of preparation. Nigeria will present a contingent size of 462 athletes, coaches, medical and administrative support staff to the Games.
“The daily reports from the camps show a steady improvement in the performances of the athletes across the 22 sports,” he disclosed.
Adesola while charging the athletes to see their selection for the games as a great privilege said President Muhammadu Buhari has graciously approved funds for payment of their allowances while at the games.
In addition, he said funds have been set aside for return tickets for foreign athletes as well as winning bonuses.
“There has been concern raised in some quarters, particularly the foreign based athletes on payments of allowances.
“I want to assure that His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari approved funds for payment of allowances of athletes and officials while at the games village, off-shore training grants to desirable athletes, return tickets for foreign athletes and winning bonuses,” he revealed.
He also said in keeping with the subsisting regulation established in 2015 that “No Brazzaville, No Rio” meaning “No representation at the Africa Games, No participation in the Olympics”, only those athletes who will feature and excel in Rabat that would be considered for Tokoyo 2020 Olympics.
Team Nigeria will feature in athletics, Badminton, boxing, Canoe-Kayak, Cycling, gymnastics, Judo, Karate, Rowing, shooting, swimming, and table tennis.
Others are taekwondo, tennis, weightlifting, wrestling, basketball, chess, beach volleyball, football, handball and volleyball.
At the 2015 All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville, Team Nigeria garnered 47 gold, 55 silver and 68 bronze medals to place second behind Egypt.
The 2019 Games will run from 19-31 August in Rabat, Morocco.
