To enhance their performance at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the African Games in Ghana, Victor Okorie, the Performance Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), based in the United States, suggests the establishment of an athlete training camp in the U.S. This camp will focus on relay baton exchange practice, performance assessment, and team cohesion, all while providing cost-saving benefits for the country.

Okorie, who also serves as AFN's Liaison Officer, explained that having a camp in the U.S. would facilitate thorough preparation for Team Nigeria's athletes in preparation for the 2024 African Games and Olympics.

"As a former athlete, I fully understand the profound impact of thorough preparation for a major championship," commented Okorie.

"The 2024 athletics season holds significant importance for us. We have the African Games scheduled for March 2024, the World Relays, and the pinnacle of it all, the Paris Olympic Games. Given that the majority of our top athletes reside overseas, with 99.2 percent based in the United States, I have begun reaching out to our athletes and their coaches in the United States, Europe, and Canada.

"My plan is to establish a training camp here in the U.S., where our athletes can come together for relay baton exchange practice, performance assessment, and team building," he explained.

Okorie, a former 400m hurdler who earned a silver medal at the 2003 African Games (COJA) in Abuja and represented Nigeria at the 2003 World Athletics Championships in Paris, was at the helm when Nigeria's contingent achieved significant success at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon. During the event, Tobi Amusan set a world record in the women's 100m hurdles, and Ese Brume secured a silver medal in the women's long jump.

For the realization of the U.S.-based training camp initiative, Okorie stressed the urgent need for financial support from the Federal Government. He urged the Minister of Sports to empower the office of the Performance Director and his team, emphasizing the importance of their role in facilitating successful athlete preparations for the African Games and the Paris Olympics. He expressed his belief that with the minister's support, Nigerian athletes can perform admirably and meet the nation's expectations.

It's worth noting that Team Nigeria missed out on medals at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, due to unfortunate issues with baton exchange.