By Andrew Abah, Abuja
Nigeria has joined representatives of nations and Olympic stakeholders in Los Angeles, United States, for the pre-Games meeting ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games, marking a significant step in preparations for the next edition of the world’s biggest sporting event.
Nigeria was represented at the meeting by the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, and the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel.
The meeting provided an important platform for participating nations and Olympic stakeholders to engage with organizers, exchange information and begin aligning their preparations for Los Angeles 2028.
For Nigeria, participation underscores the commitment of the NSC and NOC to early planning, effective coordination and strategic engagement as the country works towards assembling a competitive contingent for the Games.
Speaking on Nigeria’s participation, NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade said early engagement with Olympic organizers was essential to the country’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,” Hon. Olopade said.
The NSC Director General’s participation alongside NOC President Habu Gumel also highlights the importance of collaboration between Nigeria’s sports development authorities and its Olympic movement in coordinating the country’s preparations for the Games.
The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games are scheduled to take place from July 14 to 30, 2028, returning the Summer Olympics to Los Angeles for the first time since 1984. The city previously hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984, making LA28 its third time as Olympic host.
With Los Angeles preparing to welcome the world’s leading athletes, the meeting represents an early milestone in the road to 2028.
The NSC, working in collaboration with the NOC, remains committed to building a coordinated pathway towards LA28, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that Team Nigeria arrives in Los Angeles ready to compete at the highest level.
