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•As Olympic countdown begins
Nigeria has begun laying the groundwork for the 2028 Olympic Games, with the country’s top sports officials in Los Angeles for the pre-Games meeting of nations and Olympic stakeholders.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, and the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, are representing Nigeria at the meeting, which brings participating countries together with organisers to exchange information and start aligning preparations for LA28.
The NSC said Nigeria’s presence reflects its commitment to early planning, effective coordination and strategic engagement as it works towards assembling a competitive contingent for the Games.
Olopade said early engagement with the Olympic movement was essential to Nigeria’s ambitions.
“Preparations for the Olympic Games cannot begin when athletes arrive at the competition venue. They begin with deliberate planning, strong institutional coordination and early engagement with the Olympic movement. Nigeria’s participation in this meeting reflects our determination to approach LA28 with purpose, clarity and a clear focus on athlete performance.
“We want to build on the lessons of previous Olympic Games, strengthen our preparations and ensure that our athletes have the support, facilities and competitive opportunities they need to represent Nigeria with pride. Our ambition is not simply to participate, but to prepare thoroughly and compete with distinction,” Olopade said.
The joint attendance of the NSC DG and the NOC President also underlines the importance of collaboration between Nigeria’s sports development authorities and its Olympic movement in coordinating the country’s preparations.
The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games run from July 14 to 30, 2028, returning the Summer Olympics to the city for the first time since 1984. Los Angeles previously hosted in 1932 and 1984, making LA28 its third time as host.
The NSC, working with the NOC, says it remains committed to building a coordinated pathway to LA28, with the goal of ensuring Team Nigeria arrives in Los Angeles ready to compete at the highest level.
The statement was signed by Kola Daniel, S.A. Media, Office of the Director General, National Sports Commission, on October 21, 2026.
