The Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, has conveyed a message of support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Team Nigeria ahead of the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, urging the athletes to compete with pride and deliver strong performances.
Olopade addressed athletes and officials on Friday after their final training session in Botswana, emphasising the importance of the competition as both a major sporting event and a qualification pathway for future global championships.
He highlighted the critical role of athletics in Nigeria’s sporting success, noting its consistent contribution to national development and international recognition, while also reflecting on his personal experience with the event.
“Athletics have always been one of the most productive sports for our country in terms of empowerment and capacity building. And on a personal level, this particular championship is my fourth World Relay that I am attending, long before I became the NSC DG,” he said.
The NSC boss further described the relays as a focal point in Nigeria’s participation at major multi-sport events, stressing the significance of qualification opportunities tied to the competition.
“The relays are a big deal because Nigeria at every major multi-sport competitions always look forward to the relays. As you know this is not just about this relay because it is a qualifier for the World Championship,” he added.
Delivering the President’s message, Olopade urged the athletes to compete with determination and a strong sense of responsibility.
“I want to appeal to you athletes to do this for yourselves, for the country, for your various states and above all, do this for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. And the President’s words are always very clear, do well and come back to a grateful nation,” he said.
He also conveyed goodwill from the Chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko, who wished the team success as they begin their campaign.
Nigeria has won two medals at the event a bronze in 2014 and a gold in 2015 and is among the few countries competing in all six events at this edition, where qualification slots for major global competitions are at stake.