The president of Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engineer Habu Gumel has come out with a stunning assurance that none of the country’s youth athletes will ‘diaappear’ during their impending global outing in Dakar, Senegal.
Sports247 reports that Gumel’s assurance came ahead of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, which begins this Saturday in the Senegalese capital, where he charged the Nigerian athletes to be good ambassadors of their country.
The NOC president urged all members of the Nigerian contingent to maintain high levels of discipline, ensure they are free of drugs and see the potential they have towards becoming future senior athletes who will bring pride to their nation in years to come.
While also noting the attractive kit provided for the contingent by the National Sports Commission (NSC), Gumel thanked the umbrella body for building a solid team and for providing an ideal platform for the athletes to repose expectations for glorious outing in Dakar.
He further urged the athletes to put in the very best of their efforts, show immense zeal and allow the spirit of patriotism spur them to build on the country’s history of impressive records at the Youth Olympics since excelling at the inaugural edition in Singapore.
“Nigeria has been participating in the Youth Olympic Games since the beginning in Singapore, and we have been doing very well. I believe this time around we are going to do well.
“I want to thank the Chairman and the Director General of the National Sports Commission for what they have done in training, welfare and kitting the athletes. I am so happy with this, and I am sure that by the time they arrive in Dakar, everybody will look at them well.
“I want to assure you that we will take a clean contingent to Dakar and bring back a clean contingent to Nigeria again. The total number of the contingent that they have given us is the total number that will return to Nigeria. Nobody will disappear.
“Remain clean, behave well and make Nigeria proud. It is very, very important. The National Sports Commission and the Nigerian Olympic Committee are there to assist you in any area you need our support.
“By the time you return to Nigeria, consider yourselves already Olympians. You will call yourselves Olympians and join the Olympian Association. Participation is key and very important. You are going to be the future Olympians of this country,” Gumel submitted.
Sports247 reports further that the NOC’s boss also expressed optimism that not only would Nigeria make a very strong impression during the opening ceremony, the athletes will also be successful in all their events.
