The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Gumel, has pledged full support for Nigeria’s contingent to the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.

Gumel gave the assurance in Abuja on Tuesday, while receiving the handover of the athletes from the National Sports Commission ahead of the Games. He said he was confident in the athletes selected and expected Nigeria to build on its strong record at the event since the first edition in Singapore.

“Nigeria has been participating in the Youth Olympic Games since the beginning in Singapore, and we have been doing very well. I believe this time around we are going to do well,” Gumel said.

The NOC boss commended the Chairman and Director General of the National Sports Commission for their commitment to the preparation of the athletes, particularly in training, welfare and kitting.

“I want to thank the Chairman and the Director General of the National Sports Commission for what they have done in training, welfare and kitting the athletes. I am so happy with this, and I am sure that by the time they arrive in Dakar, everybody will look at them well,” he said.

Gumel also assured the Commission that the Olympic Committee was ready to work closely with it to help the athletes perform at their best.

He charged the athletes to avoid doping and all forms of misconduct and to protect the image of the country.

“I want to assure you that we will take a clean contingent to Dakar and bring back a clean contingent to Nigeria again. The total number of the contingent that they have given us is the total number that will return to Nigeria. Nobody will disappear,” he said.

“Remain clean, behave well and make Nigeria proud. It is very, very important. The National Sports Commission and the Nigerian Olympic Committee are there to assist you in any area you need our support.”

Gumel praised the Commission’s decision to reward medal-winning athletes with cash incentives, describing it as a morale booster.

He urged the athletes to see the Games as a stepping stone to future Olympic success and said their participation already made them Olympians.

“By the time you return to Nigeria, consider yourselves already Olympians. You will call yourselves Olympians and join the Olympian Association. Participation is key and very important. You are going to be the future Olympians of this country,” he added.

Gumel expressed optimism that Nigeria would make a strong impression at the opening ceremony on October 31 and wished the team success at the Games.