Team Nigeria on Friday arrived in Annaba, Algeria for the first Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) African Schools’ Games holding in the East African Country from July 24 to Aug. 5.

Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Olympic Committee. Tony Nezianya, who announced this in a statement on Friday, said that the event would serve as a crucial platform for discovering and nurturing young athletic talents across the continent.

He said the team which had 68 Athletes for 10 shooting events in which Nigeria had comparative advantage was led by Amaka Ashiofu from the National Sports Commission.

He stated, “They will feature in 10 sports including Athletics, Taekwondo, Table Tennis, Canoeing, Football, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cycling, Swimming and Badminton. Nigeria appears to be one of the few lucky countries that have faced fewer hassles in reaching Ànnaba, Algeria, venue of the ongoing ANOCA-organised maiden African Schools’ Sports.

“This is the opposite of the experience of some teams which arrived in Algiers and spent between 10 and 15 hours connecting to Ànnaba. This included waiting before securing a bus to connect to Ànnaba. The Chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko and the Director-General, Bukola Olopade are expected to arrive in Ànnaba to witness what promises to be a grand opening ceremony.’’

Mr Nezianya quoted the Secretary-General of the NOC, Tunde Popoola, as saying that he was confident the youngsters being showcased in the games would perform well

He said, “I can see enthusiasm in their faces. They are full of innocence and there are no previous records to reference as this is a brand-new game.”

Coach Fortune Olayiwola of Canoeing, said the team is programmed to perform creditably, especially when motivated.

“If you motivate them to do well, they tend to exceed expectations,” he said.

Mr Nezianya said the host nation of Algeria has offered free accommodation and free entry visas to all 54 African countries to ensure mass participation,

The NOC spokesperson said the University of El Bono Hostel, Ànnaba, Algeria was currently serving as the Games Village.

He said the institution offered multiple languages including German, Arabic, Russian and Spanish.

“The Games Village is situated on a hilly spot, and the undulating landscape creates a beautiful arena and a fantastic environment.” he said.

(NAN)