Nigerian president approves funds for Rio Olympics

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the immediate release of funds budgeted for Nigeria's successful participation in the Rio Olympics in Brazil.

Buhari gave the order at the official handover of Team Nigeria to the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said the order became imperative given the government's commitment to Nigeria's successful outing in Brazil.

The President warned the athletes against any act capable of tarnishing the country's image and charged them to be worthy ambassadors of Nigeria.

Buhari observed that apart from qualifying for the Olympic Games, Nigerian athletes also qualified for the Paralympic Games.

The Paralympic Games comes up immediately after the Olympic Games.

He congratulated all the athletes on their qualifications for these Games even in the face of daunting challenges in their preparations.

Buhari advised the athletes to steer clear of drugs to avoid embarrassing the country.

He also urged the athletes to win for the country as many medals as they could.

In his remarks, the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalong, assured the Buhari and Nigerians of the athletes resolve to win trophies for the country without cutting corners.

According to him, 86 athletes will be participating in nine events at the Olympics.

The President of NOC, Habu Gumel, inaugurated Buhari as the Grand Patron of the Olympic Committee. Endit