NOC President Urges Nigerian Athletes to Embrace Algerian Cuisine at Africa Schools Games

NOC President Urges Nigerian Athletes to Embrace Algerian Cuisine at Africa Schools Games

By Admin 

The President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, has called on Nigerian athletes participating in the inaugural Africa Schools Games to adapt swiftly to the local cuisine being served in Algeria.

The event, organized by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), marks the first edition of the Africa Schools Games, bringing together young athletes from across the continent.

Speaking during a visit to the Games Village at the University of El Boni in Annaba, Gumel, who is Nigeria’s sole representative on the International Olympic Committee (IOC), encouraged the athletes to embrace the continental menu provided by the hosts, describing it as “a universal meal approved by ANOCA.”

“I understand many of you miss traditional Nigerian meals like garri, amala, ogbono, egusi, and afang soup,” Gumel said. “But these are not readily available here. We must improvise and adjust.”

Gumel emphasized that international competition comes with new experiences, including food. He urged athletes to see themselves as global representatives and to adapt accordingly.

“As international athletes, we must accept our new status. In preparing for such events, we should incorporate continental cuisine into our training camps so we’re not caught off guard,” he added.

Reports indicate that some athletes have been skipping meals due to unfamiliarity with the food options available. Addressing this concern, Team Nigeria's psychologist, Dr. Robinson Okosun, echoed Gumel’s appeal.

“We must eat to remain strong, not to lose strength,” Okosun said. “Our bodies need fuel to perform. If we neglect our diet, we risk illness and fatigue, which could undermine team spirit and performance.”

Dr. Okosun, who also worked with Nigeria’s contingent to the Tokyo Olympics, stressed the importance of balanced nutrition, warning that inadequate food intake could become a strategic disadvantage.