National Institute for Sports (NIS) chief executive officer and director-general, Comrade Philip Shaibu has added his voice of warning to the country’s contingent ahead of this year’s Youth Summer Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
Sports247 reports that, while speaking about his expectations from the Nigerian contingent of 17 athletes in five disciplines, starting this Saturday in the Francophone country’s capital, Shaibu stressed the need for good conduct and discipline among them.
The former deputy governor of Edo State, who played active football with Bendel Insurance FC of Benin City during his time in office, emphasised that any conduct that might end up bringing shame to Nigeria from any of the nation’s athletes at Dakar 2026 would be unacceptable.
Shaibu’s declaration, as relayed in a press release by Celisus Ebare, from the NIS director-general’s ADC office in Abuja, also included a charge to the Nigerian athletes to be courteous, bold and disciplined in their hunt for medals during their various contests.
Ebare disclosed, “The DG said the Games provide a platform for Nigerian youths to showcase talent and national pride on the global stage (and) urged the athletes to compete in the true spirit of fair play and sportsmanship.
“He emphasised that medals must be won without cheating or any act that could bring Nigeria’s name into disrepute. According to him, the image of the country is a priority that must be protected at all times.
“Comrade Shaibu added that any conduct that tarnishes that image at an international event like the Youth Olympics will be unacceptable. The DG called on the athletes to be good ambassadors on and off the field.
“The NIS boss expressed confidence that the young athletes have the capacity to make the nation proud. He reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to athlete development and urged the team to go for gold while upholding integrity, discipline and values of the Olympic movement.”
Sports247 gathered further that the Nigerian youngsters, who are accompanied to Dakar by six coaches, will compete in various categories of athletics, table tennis, beach volleyball, swimming and cycling during the impending Youth Olympics, which will end in the middle of next month.
