As the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) gears up for the Paris Summer Olympic Games, Nigerian athletes have already made their mark at the ongoing African Athletics Championships in Douala, Cameroon.

Technical director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Samuel Onikeku has spoken on the importance of the competition for the team’s preparation.

Onikeku believes Team Nigeria’s performance in the African Championships will allow the Athletes to test their skills against some of the best in the world.

“The athletes will move to camp in Germany where preparations will continue smoothly,” Onikeku revealed.

“We believe that with perfect preparation, we can achieve optimal performance towards the Olympics. We’ll perfect baton exchanges, ensure smooth run-ups, and make sure that throwers and hurdlers perform to the best of their technical abilities.”

“We’ll make sure the principles of tapering down are strictly followed so that the body recovers and regenerates before the Olympics. We always want our best to be in competitions, not just in training,” he added.

Ashley Anumba. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The AFN is also considering the environmental conditions in Paris, with plans to keep athletes hydrated and in suitable clothing to avoid dehydration.

“Paris will be between 27 and 30 degrees when the competitions start. We’ll make sure our athletes are hydrated and that their clothes are loose to prevent dehydration,” Onikeku explained.

“All these measures are in place, and we believe that as things progress, our target of having our national anthem played at the Paris Olympics will come to pass.”