As 2021 National trials ends in Lagos, Nigerian atheletes have assured the federal government of medal haul during the Tokyo Olympic Games.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Engr. Nebolise Anako during an interview disclosed that the trials have push out up surprises and as well given sports new face.
Engr. Anako stated that the performances of the atheletes are promising with hope that the country’s name will possibly be at the medals table.
This he said has challenged the ministry to make their welfare both during and after the games a priority.
According to him, Nigeria intended to host youth games but for COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted the calendar year of sports globally.
He however, said the trials has also made it possible for the ministry to discover atheletes that can still represent the country in Youth Olympic Games, Common Wealth Games and others.
While analysing the success of the trials, the Permanent Secretary also commended the new records broken by sprint star Blessing Okagbare, the new athelet8e discovered.
He said the federal government had sponsored athletes in Badminton, Uche Eke who is the World best in Gymnastic, Oduduru Divine 100m men, among others.
However, the Permanent Secretary was particularly amazed that officials of the Confederation of African Atheletics (CAA) were present to witness the trails that attracted Ghana, Zambia, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Botswana atheletes that will compete with Nigerian atheletes during the finals for their own World first 16 relay qualification.
Some of the foreign based atheletes when interviewed, saw their invitation from the country as a clarion call that deserved speedy response.
