The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has reiterated the importance of the World Relays Championship in Botswana, urging Team Nigeria athletes to compete with pride and a winning spirit.
Olopade made this known in Gaborone while addressing Team Nigeria athletes and officials after their final warm-up session ahead of the track events.
He noted that athletics remains one of Nigeria’s most productive sports in terms of empowerment and capacity building, saying “On a personal level, this is my fourth World Relays Championship, having attended long before my appointment as NSC Director General”.
Highlighting the significance of the event, Olopade described the relays as a major fixture for Nigeria at international competitions.
“The relays are a big deal because Nigeria always looks forward to them at major multi-sport events. Beyond this competition, it also serves as a qualifier for the World Championships,” he added.
The NSC boss charged the athletes to give their best performance, appealing to their sense of patriotism and personal ambition.
“I urge you to do this for yourselves, for the country, for your respective states, and above all, for Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The President’s message is clear—perform well and return to a grateful nation,” he said.
Olopade also conveyed the goodwill of the NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, who wished the team success as they commence their campaign.
