Use African Championship as Olympic rehearsal, Enoh Tasks Team Nigeria

Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has urged Nigerian athletes to see the upcoming African Championship in Cameroon as a perfect rehearsal for the Olympic Games in Paris.

The minister made the statement following the Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s (AFN) announcement of a formidable list of 40 athletes that will represent the country at the African Championships in Douala, Cameroon.

Among the standout names are Tobi Amusan, Favour Ofili, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, and Chidi Okezie, some of Nigeria’s biggest stars heading to the competition. Enoh emphasised the importance of the championship as a precursor to the Olympics, highlighting its role in preparing athletes for podium success at the world’s biggest sporting event in Paris.

“The African Athletics Championship should serve as a dress rehearsal for the Olympics. I charge all our flag bearers to represent the green and white flag with pride and aim to bring back the first position trophy at the end of the tournament.”

He also advised the athletes to be cautious about their diet and hydration while noting the significance of the Olympic year and the heightened scrutiny they will face.

“Knowing full well the remarkable achievements you had in Ghana, I believe you can replicate and even surpass those feats. You have done it at the African Games and you can do it again,” read a statement signed by the special adviser media to the minister, Diana-Mary Nsan and made available to Sporting Tribune.