By Tony Nezianya
ÀNNABA (Algeria), July 26, 2024 – A new era of seamless cooperation between the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) is fostering a positive and focused environment for Team Nigeria’s athletes and officials.
This partnership is already yielding tangible results at the maiden Africa Schools Sports.
The NOC and NSC have provided team uniforms, ensuring the contingent is well-kitted and boosting morale.
The collaborative approach has smoothed preparations, allowing the team to concentrate on the country’s pride.
NOC President Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, the sole member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), expressed his optimism.
“This is what it ought to be,” remarked Engr. Gumel.
“We are ending the mutual suspicion that tended to produce negative results in the past.”
He noted that the disunity that threatened previous campaigns, such as the last Olympic Games, is now a thing of the past.
Meanwhile, the strategic planning of the NSC leadership has also been widely praised. NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade were instrumental in arranging a direct charter flight for Team Nigeria to Annaba.
This decisive action allowed the team to bypass significant logistical hurdles, as the alternative would have involved an arduous connecting journey from Algiers.
Both Dikko and Olopade are expected to arrive on July 28, 2025, after the Falcons’ final soccer match at the Olympic stadium in Rabat.
Therefore, they would miss out on the opening ceremonies of the inaugural tournament held today in Ànnaba, Algeria.
Meanwhile, as the athletes settle in, they have discovered some unique and friendly residents.
The Games’ Village, located on the University of El Boni campus, is home to a noticeable population of friendly Pussycats.
These felines roam freely and become a charming feature of the village as they patiently accept treats offered by members of the various contingents from all parts of Africa.
