LA 2028 Olympics: NSC, NOC representatives take part in pre-game meetings

Nigeria has taken an early step towards preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games, with the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, and Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) President, Engr. Habu Gumel, representing the country at a pre-Games meeting in Los Angeles, United States.

The meeting brought together representatives of participating nations and key Olympic stakeholders to engage with organisers, exchange vital information and discuss preparations for the sporting spectacle scheduled for July 14 to 30, 2028.

Nigeria’s participation highlights the commitment of the NSC and NOC to early planning, institutional collaboration and strategic coordination as the country begins preparations to assemble a competitive contingent for the Games.

Speaking on the importance of the meeting, Olopade stressed that successful Olympic campaigns required adequate planning and preparation long before athletes arrived at competition venues.

“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,” Olopade said.

He added that Nigeria was determined to learn from previous Olympic experiences, strengthen its preparations and provide athletes with the necessary support, facilities and competitive opportunities to excel on the global stage.

“Our ambition is not simply to participate, but to prepare thoroughly and compete with distinction,” the NSC Director General stated.

The joint participation of Olopade and Gumel also underscores the importance of cooperation between the country’s sports development authorities and the Olympic movement in establishing a coordinated pathway towards LA28.

Los Angeles will host the Summer Olympic Games for the third time, having previously staged the global sporting event in 1932 and 1984. The 2028 edition will return the Olympics to the American city after a 44 year absence.

With preparations gathering momentum, the NSC and NOC are expected to sustain their collaboration towards building a competitive Team Nigeria capable of making an impact across various sporting events in Los Angeles.