Sports Minister, Abdullahi, Stresses the Need for Early Preparation for 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, has said preparation of Nigerian athletes for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland starts in October.

In a chart with reporters in Abuja, Abdullahi was full of appreciation for Blessing Okagbare who upheld the country’s image at the just concluded 2013 World Athletics Championships in Moscow.

“Blessing Okagbare has done this country proud, she is amazing talent and I believe that Blessing by herself can start inspiring younger generation of athletes that can see what is possible,” Abdullahi said.

The minister said the decision to start preparation early is in line with the National Sports Commission’s resolve to ensure athletes representing the country at international championships are adequately prepared before such events.

He also revealed that experience gathered at the just concluded IAAF World Championships in Moscow proves that only athletes adequately prepared could win medals at international championships.

“I am very excited that we are coming from back from the IAAF World Athletics Championships with two medals that has not happened before.

“Though the experience is that we have not done enough, we need to do more and we are going to do it. We have realized what we need to do and we are going to do it,” Abdullahi added.

“Like we are having the Commonwealth Games next year, I can assure you that we are going to start the build up to the Commonwealth Games not later than October.”