24th February, 2012
Despite late preparation, former Minister of Sports, Jim Nwobodo, has expressed confidence in Team Nigeria to win medals at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Nwobodo, a former governor of Anambra State, urged Nigerians not to write off the athletes, saying they are capable of achieving the Atlanta 1996 feat at the London Games.
“The athletes can still win medals in London in spite of the late preparation. The same thing happened to Team Nigeria when we were preparing for the Atlanta 1996 Olympics and our athletes did not disappoint the sports loving Nigerians by winning medals at the games,” Nwobodo said.
Nwobodo recalled that Nigeria won two gold medals at the Atlanta 1996 despite the late preparation of Team Nigeria to the Games.
“Nigeria won a gold medal in the football event in spite of the late preparation. Apart from that, Chioma Ajunwa won another gold medal in the long jump event.
“All I can say at the moment is to wish our athletes well as they begin their preparation for the London Olympics. I hope they will do the country proud by winning medals at the games in spite of the late preparation,” added Nwobodo.
—Bimbo Ajayi