Minister of Sports Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has assured that Nigeria’s preparations for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland will begin in October this year.
Abdullahi, who revealed this in a chat with reporters in Abuja, explained that the decision to start early preparation for the games was part of the National Sports Commission’s resolve to ensure athletes representing the country at international championships are adequately prepared before such events.
According to Abdullahi, experience gathered at the recently concluded IAAF World Athletic Championships in Moscow shows that only athletes adequately prepared could win medals at international sports events.
The minister, who was full of appreciation to Blessing Okagbare for winning two medals for the country at the 2013 at the World Athletic Championship; assured that the country will continue to do more to ensure that the country’s athletes win more medals at future international competitions.
“I am very excited that we are coming back from the IAAF World Athletics Championships with two medals that has not happened before.
“Though the experience is that we have not done enough, we need to do more and we are going to do it. We have realised what we need to do and we are going to do it.
“Like we are having the Commonwealth Games next year, I can assure you that we are going to start the build up to the Commonwealth Games not later than October.
“Blessing Okagbare has done this country proud, she is amazing talent and I believe that Blessing by herself can start inspiring younger generation of athletes that can see what is possible,” Abdullahi said.
