Nigeria Olympic Committee president Habu Gumel has urged the country’s athletes to uphold proper conduct as they prepare for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
Gumel delivered the message in Abuja on Tuesday at the formal presentation of Team Nigeria’s delegation for the event, which gets under way on October 31.
He called on the competitors to stay disciplined, act with responsibility and safeguard Nigeria’s reputation for the duration of the Games.
“I want to assure you that we will take a clean contingent to Dakar and bring back a clean contingent to Nigeria again,” Gumel said.
He warned the young competitors not to allow anyone to lure them into conduct that could damage their character or tarnish the nation’s standing.
“Remain clean, behave well and make Nigeria proud. It is very, very important,” he added.
Gumel said the NOC and the National Sports Commission would give the athletes the necessary backing to help them deliver their strongest performances.
He praised the NSC leadership for the work done in getting the team ready, with particular recognition for arrangements concerning preparation, athlete welfare and equipment.
The NOC chief also voiced belief in the squad’s potential, saying Nigeria had the capacity to improve on its earlier Youth Olympic Games results.
Nigeria is set to enter six disciplines at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, running from October 31 until November 13: athletics, boxing, road cycling, swimming, table tennis and beach volleyball.
