Sports
2020 Olympics: 61 Athletes to fly Nigeria’s flags in Tokyo
… 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.
Sports
Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Congratulates Oguntimehin On Election As Fct Swan Chairman
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Association (NVRA) has congratulated Tolu Oguntimehin on his election as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.
NVRA described his emergence as an opportunity to strengthen sports journalism and advance the welfare of members.
Oguntimehin emerged victorious at the FCT SWAN elective congress held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, defeating his challenger, Raphael Ekpang, by 88 votes to four.
In a congratulatory message, the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Reporters, Alhaji Ganiyu Oloyede described the election outcome as a testament to the confidence reposed in Oguntimehin by members of the association.
Oloyede expressed optimism that the new chairman would bring purposeful leadership, inclusiveness and renewed commitment to the development of sports journalism in the FCT.
He stressed that the responsibility of leading the association goes beyond occupying an office.
Oloyede noted that the new administration must prioritise members’ welfare, professional development, unity and the protection of their collective interests.
The NVR chairman also challenged the incoming leadership to create an enabling environment where sports journalists can thrive professionally, gain greater access to sporting events and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports.
He particularly welcomed Oguntimehin’s commitment to establishing a ₦200 million financial base for the association, describing the proposed initiative as an ambitious step towards building a financially stronger and more sustainable SWAN FCT.
Oloyede further emphasised the importance of collaboration among sports journalists, sports federations, government institutions and other stakeholders, maintaining that stronger partnerships would create more opportunities for members and improve the quality of sports reporting.
He urged the new executive to embrace transparency, accountability and open communication while ensuring that every member feels represented in the administration.
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters reaffirmed its readiness to work with the new SWAN FCT leadership in promoting sports journalism, strengthening professional relationships and projecting Nigerian sports positively.
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