Sports

2020 Olympics: 61 Athletes to fly Nigeria’s flags in Tokyo

Published

4 years ago

June 28, 2021

… 1st Batch to departs July 6th
Joel Ajayi
With less than 25 days to the commencement of much awaited 2020 Olympics in Tokyo Japan come July 23rd to 5th a total number of 61 athletes will fly the country’s flag at Japan Tokyo Olympic Games holding next month from July 23rd to August 5t
Nigeria will feature in 9 sports which include, Basketball, Athletic, Row and Canoeing Badminton, Wrestling, Gymnastics others.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development Chief Sunday Dare during a briefing on preparations for the Games.

He said that the athletes will go on a 14 days Pre Games Training in Kisarazu city, Japan to further expose the athletes to adequate preparations ahead of their events as well as an ample opportunity to adjust to the Japanese time zone.

Dare said the first batch of athletes will depart the country on July 6th while the second batch will leave the country on July 13th.
Meanwhile, the Paralympic teams comprising 22 athletes competing in 4 sports will depart on August 8th.
“The emergence of COVID-19 pandemic in the first quarter of 2020 affected the organisational structures of both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and consequently, has pushed International Federations (IFs) to review their international sporting calendar and qualification pathway for athletes in their quest to participate at the Games.

“These challenges, no doubt were difficult to overcome, but could not stop us as a great nation in ensuring that our athletes are strongly supported and motivated to achieve this milestone.
“The recent qualification of Nigeria for the Women’s 4x100m, Women’s 4x400m and 4x400m Mixed Relays was a significant achievement for the country, while still awaiting the World Athletics (WA) to ratify the slots in few days.
” The Ministry in collaboration with the Nigeria Olympic Committee has scheduled a 14-day Pre-Games Training Camp (PGTC) for the athletes in Kisarazu City, Japan. This move will further expose the athletes to adequate preparations ahead of their events, as well as to give them ample time to adjust to the Japanese time zone. It is also strategic to meet with COVID-19 regulations.”

“In order to ensure a hitch-free participation of our athletes in Tokyo, the Ministry has engaged four (4) Travel Agencies to handle the issuance of flight tickets of Team Nigeria Contingent to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Two Companies each were assigned to both the Olympics and Paralympics.”

He assured that ministry will put in place a better strategies towards ensuring podium success at both the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Japan.

However, Minister commended the Federal government for providing funding for the athletes to represent their father’s land.

Share on Facebook

Sports

“Aderonke Atoyebi Wins Big in Denmark, Inspires Global Recognition for Nigerian Women in Sports

Published

2 hours ago

November 3, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria’s own Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi has brought immense pride to the nation after being named the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA) Role Model of the Year at a ceremony held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The biennial ISCA Awards honour individuals and organizations that use sports and physical activity as tools for social change, inclusion, and empowerment across the globe. This year’s edition drew nominations from several countries, spotlighting outstanding figures who have transformed their communities through the power of sports.
Atoyebi’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment has made her a prominent voice in the sports-for-development space. Through her advocacy and leadership, she continues to demonstrate how sports can serve as a bridge for education, unity, and hope—especially among young women in Nigeria and beyond.
As part of the recognition, Atoyebi received a €3,000 cash prize along with the global visibility that accompanies the prestigious ISCA honour.
Speaking shortly after receiving the award, she expressed deep gratitude and excitement, dedicating the recognition to her team and everyone who has supported her journey.
> “This award means a lot to me. It’s a testament to the hard work my team and I have put in over the years,” Atoyebi said. “Being recognised on such an international stage proves that no effort toward positive change ever goes unnoticed. It motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and reaching more girls who need hope and opportunity.”

Atoyebi’s global recognition further strengthens Nigeria’s growing influence in the global dialogue around sports, development, and women’s empowerment. Her story continues to inspire a new generation of African women to believe that with passion, dedication, and purpose, they too can create lasting change.

Share on Facebook