Paris Olympics: Minister Clears Air On Controversy Surrounding Team Nigeria Kits

Paris Olympics: Minister Clears Air On Controversy Surrounding Team Nigeria Kits

Ibrahim Lateef

Sports Minister John Enoh has put the record straight as regards the controversy surrounding Team Nigeria kits at the ongoing summer Olympics in Paris, France, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Senator Enoh said on Thursday, "It is important to restate the facts that have already been provided by the Federal Ministry of Sports Development regarding the preparation of athletes for the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics.

"This clarification is necessary due to the conflicting opinions expressed by certain parties concerning the so-called “two kits” for one national team'.

"Some have played this up to the point of reporting that crisis has hit Team Nigeria in Paris as a result of this. There is no crisis on Team Nigeria kits. The athletes are fully kitted with no stone left unturned by the Sports Ministry.

" In the build-up to the Olympics, as Sports Minister, I summoned the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) to a meeting with the Ministry to assess the level of preparedness and planning by the NOC and the Sports Ministry for the Olympics.

"During the meeting, the President of the NOC, Engr Habu Gumel, briefly detailed the work done by the Nigeria Olympic Committee.

He took the opportunity of this meeting to mention the donation of 200 number kits to Team Nigeria by a brand called Actively Black. "No mention was made of a contract that obligated Team Nigeria to be kitted with these kits for both the opening and closing ceremonies of the games.

"The interface with Actively Black did not involve the Ministry of Sports and was totally between it and the http://NOC. At no time was the Ministry told of any conditions attached to the donation, during or after the meeting.

"At the meeting, I highlighted that 200 kits would not be sufficient for the over 100 athletes, their coaches, the technical crew and other stakeholders for both the Olympics and Para-Olympics; especially because in some sports with only one qualified athlete, he'll be required to be accompanied by some number of coaching/technical staff.

"Subsequently, on my instruction, the ministry took action to provide kits in partnership with PEAK, including tracksuits, windcheaters, shorts, T-shirts, canvas shoes, slides, face caps, trolley bags, hand luggage (cabin bags), backpacks, water bottles, and towels.

"The provision covered the entire Team Nigeria for the Olympics and Para-Olympics.

On July 8th, 2024, the Sports Ministry unveiled the kits to the public, officially presenting them to Team Nigeria then and on behalf of the President Federal Republic of Nigeria, I, Senator John Owan Enoh handed the athletes over to the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN) for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

"It's important to note that Team Nigeria has consistently showcased the cultural heritage of the nation during the Olympics' Opening Ceremony. The Federal Ministry of Sports Development, under my leadership, ensured that this tradition continued by providing culturally reflective attire for our sports ambassadors at the opening ceremony.

Please note, that besides the partnership with PEAK, the Federal Ministry of Sports Development never had agreements of any sort with any brand for the kitting of Team Nigeria for the Opening Ceremony or the games proper. No terms and conditions have been defied by the sports ministry.

"So far, events and engagements related to the Paris 2024 Olympics have been handled transparently and with utmost decorum. Athletes have been paid their allowances in full, and the vision is to maintain a positive momentum. We place a premium on athletes' welfare."