Twenty-two-year-old Anyanacho became the first Nigerian woman to qualify for the Olympics in taekwondo for 16 years when she came through the African qualifier in Morocco in February 2020.

The under-67 kilograms fighter has targeted a medal at this year's rearranged Games and has been battling with national athletes at a training camp to help her prepare.

Chika Chukwumerije, who won Olympic bronze for Nigeria in the over-80kg class at Beijing 2008, organised the camp and Dare was left impressed with what he saw.

"I am happy with the intensity and level of training that I have seen here today," said Dare. 

"I want to assure Elizabeth that, despite the constraint of resources expressed in recent times, the Sports Ministry will extend all possible support to ensure she achieves her podium dream in Tokyo.

"I thank all the national champions here today. 

"Your role is important. 

"I want you to train hard and help Elizabeth prepare, so when she gets to Tokyo she will be ready for her Olympic opponents."

A lack of funding meant Anyanacho could not compete at warm-up events in Spain and Bulgaria earlier this year.

She is ranked 62nd in the world in her weight category.

"I thank the honourable Minister for this surprise visit," she said. 

"It gives me a lot of confidence to know that the Government and the people of Nigeria are behind my preparations. 

"I will keep working hard with my technical crew to make a positive impact at the Tokyo Olympics."