Tokyo Olympics: President Buhari to host Team Nigeria Monday

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Monday, 12 July 2021, host members of Team Nigeria to the Tokyo Olympics at the Presidential Villa before the final batch of the contingent departs for the Games.

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja at a brief send-forth ceremony for the first batch of the team which left for Japan.

Dare disclosed that the contingent which would leave in four batches would be formally “sent forth” by President Buhari on Monday as is the tradition.

He said that the ceremony would also give the President the opportunity to formally hand over Team Nigeria to the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) in accordance with age-long custom.

The Minister added that President Buhari would also be unveiling the official Team Nigeria uniform to the Games.

He said, “We are keeping to the tradition of unveiling the team to the President who will, in turn, hand them over to the NOC.

“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.”

The Minister also lauded the President for the huge support and resources in preparing and ensuring the athletes perform great at the Games.

Recall that Team Nigeria, consisting of 58 athletes and 22 coaches, will compete in nine sports at the Tokyo Olympics.

The first batch of Team Nigeria consisting of athletes, coaches and other officials in canoeing, rowing and table tennis departed Abuja for Japan on Tuesday.

The second batch consisting of those in athletics, taekwondo and wrestling will leave July 13, 2021 while third batch in gymnastics and badminton and will depart July 17.

The last batch consisting of members of the male and female basketball teams will depart on July 19. Also, postponed 2020 Olympic Games holds from July 23 to August 8, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan.