The campaign is asking for individuals and companies to pick an athlete or a team and sponsor them, as reported by AIPS.

Some Nigerian athletes have been struggling to compete due to a lack of support, despite the proximity of Tokyo 2020 next year. 

"The hope of the athlete is to be at the Olympics, or the World Championship for their sport, to stand on the podium, and fly their country’s flag," said Dare.

"They want to be the reasons why Nigeria’s flag should be hoisted and the national anthem is sung while the world watches.

"This is their reward, but it is also our honour and prestige, and pride among nations. 

"It is this hope that drives them to invest in themselves, to work hard, to endure all odds, and try to surmount every challenge.

"The adoption programme is our baby - all of us. 

"By it, we hope to change the narrative about sports in Nigeria. 

"While what we are doing here tonight has the feel of a pilot programme to it, we are hard at work to institutionalise frameworks that will ensure that individuals and corporate organisations get value for whatever they put in sports."

The Sports Minister also revealed he was working with the Nigeria Economic Summit Group to revolutionise Nigeria's sports sector.

Earlier this month, Nigeria Olympic Committee President Habu Gumel called for national governing bodies to seek funding opportunities to support athletes at Tokyo 2020.

Gumel claimed organisations could not solely rely on funding from the Nigerian Government to support athletes.

Nigeria have struggled at the Olympic Games recently, sending 77 athletes to Rio 2016 but only claiming a bronze medal in the men's football competition. 

They did not earn a single medal at London 2012.