Nigerian Police athletes begin preparation for All Africa Games

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) yesterday disclosed that it has started preparing its athletes in Team Nigeria for the All Africa Games scheduled for Congo later in the year.

Part of the preparation, according to the Force, is its new partnership with some foreign sports managers, who will train the NPF athletes in their various events ahead of the games.

Chief Sports Officer of the Force, Commissioner of Police, Sani Mohammed, said in Abuja yesterday that the NPF has prioritized the welfare of its officers and men, who are into sports.

He added that the force decided to commence preparations for the games early before the Team Nigeria begins full camping to keep its officers in good shape before the national camping, saying that the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, has approved the sports department’s request to send some of its boxers to the United States to begin training for the games.

“We have put in place all arrangements for the All Africa Games. For example, one of our officers, who will represent Nigeria in boxing, is currently in the USA where she has commenced full training under the watchful eyes of her American coach.

“She will remain in the USA and continue to train until when the Team Nigeria will open its camp for the games. This is the Nigerian Police Force’s decision to ensure that we contribute to the country’s quest for laurels at the games. We thank the acting IGP for approving the request,” he said.

On the performance of the female basketball team, IGP Queens, at the just concluded first phase of the Zenith Women Basketball Championship in Abuja, Mohammed, who is also the Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, noted that the force ensured that the players were adequately motivated to win the second round of the league, which is billed for Edo State. He added that the team would be fortified with some experienced players for the purpose of winning the second phase.

“The team was well motivated for the championship. Before the commencement of the championship, the Acting IGP, Simon Arase approved our request for a decent camp for the team inside the Peace Keeping Department within the Force Headquarters and their welfare was adequately taken care of. They played very well, winning six out of the eight matches at the championship.

“We are expecting a better performance in the second phase of the league. This time around we have prepared adequately for it and we believe they will get to the finals. We are going to rejuvenate the team by dragging some of our officers, who play for the national team, as well as those who are training outside the country into the team. They are well motivated this time around and there will be no excuses whatsoever during the second phase,” he said.