Minister of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bolaji Abdullahi has pledged the Commission’s continued support to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) as it intensifies preparation for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The Minister gave this assurance on Thursday when he paid an unscheduled visit to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) training camp at the Abuja National Stadium ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Abdullahi said that with the right attitude and the enabling environment, Nigeria has the potentials not only to compete favourably with the world best but also to conquer and rule.
This according to him, is noticeable from the recent achievements in Nigeria football.
“We have another golden opportunity to showcase the Nigerian resilience and rugged spirit to remain unbeatable in the 2014 Commonwealth Games”.
“It is worthy of note that never before in the history of athletics in Africa has any one singular country remained undefeated all round” he added.
Nigeria currently holds the Africa championship in the Junior, Senior and the Youths grade tournaments.
In his remarks, Technical Director AFN, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama said it was the first time that the AFN would be having a pre-season training.
He further said that the AFN will continue to plan its strategy along the framework of the Commission blueprint to ensure lasting success.
Secretary of the AFN, Mr Olumide Bamiduro described the visit as very timely and unprecedented, one which he said will engender excellence in the athletes.
Responding on behalf of the athletes, Mr. Imhoaperamhe Nicholas said that the Minister has demonstrated beyond all reasonable doubt that he was really committed to sports development in Nigeria.
“Prior to this time, we have always heard about sports ministers and seen them on the television screen but never had the opportunity to be this close to a serving sports minister.”
Source: Daily Trust.
