President Muhammadu Buhari is scheduled to host members of Team Nigeria to the Tokyo Olympics at the Aso Rock Villa on Monday before the last batch of the contingent departs for the games.
The Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, said tis on Tuesday in Abuja during a send-forth ceremony organised for the first batch of the team which departed for Japan.
Dare said the Team Nigeria which would travel in four batches would be formally sent forth by President Buhari on Monday as is the norm.
He noted that the ceremony would serve as an avenue for the President to officially hand over the contingent to the Nigeria Olympic Committee in line with established tradition.
He added that President Buhari would also be unveiling the official Team Nigeria uniform to the Games.
Dare said, “We are keeping to the tradition of unveiling the team to the President who will, in turn, hand them over to the NOC.
Read Also: Super Eagles Goalie, Okoye Injured In Sparta Rotterdam’s Home Game With Ajax
“The unveiling of the official wear/equipment will also be done by Mr. President. This is a very symbolic event meant to officially send forth the team to the Games.
“This should also inspire the athletes and reinforce the fact that the Federal Government and the entire country are behind them,” Dare said.
The minister also commended the President for the enormous support and resources in preparing and ensuring the athletes do well at the Games.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Team Nigeria, comprising of 58 athletes and 22 coaches, will compete in nine sports at the Tokyo Olympics rescheduled to hold from July 23 to August 8.
The first batch of Team Nigeria comprising athletes, coaches and other officials in canoeing, rowing and table tennis departed Abuja for Japan on Tuesday.
The second batch comprising those in athletics, taekwondo and wrestling will depart on July 13.
The third batch is those in gymnastics and badminton and will leave on July 17.
The last batch comprising members of the male and female basketball teams will depart on July 19.
Source: Punch