Gumel Advises Athletes to Stay Clean at Youth Olympics

President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Gumel, has promised Nigeria’s athletes going to the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, that the committee will support them. He also warned them against doping and any bad behavior.

Gumel spoke in Abuja on Tuesday during the handover ceremony for the Nigerian team ahead of the Games starting on October 31.

He praised the National Sports Commission for its hard work in getting the athletes ready, especially in their training, welfare, and outfits. He is confident that Nigeria will do well in the competition.

“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,” Gumel said.

He urged the athletes to be disciplined, avoid banned substances, and resist any pressure to do things that could hurt Nigeria’s reputation.

“I want to assure you that we will take a clean contingent to Dakar and bring back a clean contingent to Nigeria again,” he said.

Gumel also promised that the NOC would work closely with the NSC to meet the athletes' needs and support them during the Games.

He welcomed the NSC’s plan to give cash rewards to medal winners. He called this initiative a good motivation for the young athletes.

The NOC president encouraged the team to see their participation in Dakar as a step towards future Olympic events. He wants them to aim for the senior Olympic Games.

“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 said.

Gumel is hopeful that Nigeria will make a strong showing at the opening ceremony. He praised the athletes' outfits and wished them success at the Games.