Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has called on the Nigeria Olympic Team to replicate the performances of past Nigerian Olympians as Team Nigeria to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics prepares to leave the shores of the country.

Recalling the exploits of past Nigerian teams, the Vice President reminded them that they are also carrying with them, the encouragement of the great exploits of Nigerian Olympians before them.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this at the send forth ceremony for Team Nigeria to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, at the Presidential Villa.

The event also marked the formal handover of the Nigerian contingent to the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the unveiling of the team’s official outfit and kit.

He reminded the team of “such legends as Chioma Ajunwa who won the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics for the long jump and became the first black African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event and the Super Eagles in 1996 who won the gold medal for football

Urging the team to promote the Olympian ideals, Prof. Osinbajo urged them as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria, to represent the nation excellently as they stand on the shoulders of giants.

He asked them to embrace fair play and not use any prohibited substances or to cheat in any way as he assured the team of the prayers and support of all Nigerians as they compete with athletes from other nations.

While commending the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare for coordinating the various sporting Federations in preparation for the Games, the Vice President urged the athletes to make good use of facilities at its training ground in the City of Kizarazu to put themselves in proper shape ahead of the Games.

He urged the team to continue to observe all COVID-19 protocols and to strictly adhere to the IOC Playbook in order to safeguard their health and those of others around them.

Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, said the athletes were ready to make the country proud and presented to the Vice President the made-in-Nigeria kits for the Nigerian contingent. 

On his part, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr Habu Gumel thanked the President and the Vice President for honouring Team Nigeria and assured that the contingent will not disappoint the country.

One highpoint of the occasion was the formal handover of Team Nigeria to the Nigeria Olympic Committee by the Vice President and the Sports Minister, and the unveiling of the official outfit and kit of the team.

Present at the ceremony were Federal Legislators, officials of the Japanese Embassy in Nigeria, 45 athletes and their coaches, officials of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, and the Nigeria Olympic Committee, among others.