Director of Sports Development in the National Sports Commission (NSC), Patrick Ekeji, said in Abuja on Thursday that Nigeria can win eight gold medals at the forthcoming Beijing Olympics.

Sports followers in the country as well as some analysts are pessimistic about the possibility of the country hitting the target based on what they described as poor preparation.

Ekeji said the eight gold medals target was achievable and that the country was setting its sight on winning those gold medals

According to him, the eight gold medals target was an order from the presidency which must be achieved, adding that there is no going back on that target. "It's a target we must meet," he said.

Ekeji said the NSC was not taking the issue of preparation with levity, noting that the country contingents are on course as far as preparation is concerned.

(Xinhua News Agency July 5, 2008)