With a 46-member contingent comprising 35 athletes and 11 officials, the nation’s best will compete in seven sports, including athletics, para athletics, para powerlifting, weightlifting, wrestling, boxing, and taekwondo.

According to the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, the games are more than just another international outing; they are a strategic stepping stone towards the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

“It’s part of our National Sports Commission’s strategic planning for the Olympics,” Olopade said.

“The Islamic Solidarity Games represent a great opportunity for Nigeria to showcase our talent on the global stage, and we believe this team has what it takes to excel.”

The advance party departed on Friday, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling campaign in the desert kingdom.

The boxing team will be the first to get into the ring, with fights beginning on November 4, three days before the grand opening ceremony.

Read Also: We have intelligent players in Super Eagles – Ekong

This year’s games, featuring 21 sports and two para-sports, bring together athletes from across the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation member states.

It will also mark Saudi Arabia’s second time hosting the event, two decades after the inaugural edition in 2005.

Source: Punch