Nigeria’s dismal performance at the recently concluded Paris 2024 Olympic Games has sparked a review process by the country’s sports authorities.
The country failed to win a medal, matching its worst outing in the history of the Games.
Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has acknowledged that the team’s performance fell short of expectations and apologized to Nigerians. Despite a strong representation of 88 athletes in 12 sports, Nigeria’s team failed to make a mark.
Enoh pointed out that the President and Commander-in-Chief, HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ensured that funds were not a limiting factor for the athletes, and that they received their competition requirements, allowances, and training grants on time. However, the minister expressed puzzlement over the team’s underwhelming performance.
In a statement, Enoh announced that the ministry had swung into a comprehensive review process to evaluate the competition readiness of every athlete, including their injury and medical history. The role of coaches and administrative staff will also be examined.
The minister also highlighted the challenges faced by the ministry in preparing for the Olympics, citing the fact that it was only given a few months to prepare for the Games and other major competitions. He noted that sports federations were more focused on qualifying for the Olympics rather than preparing for it.
Enoh emphasized that this trend needs to change and that preparations for major competitions must start earlier. The review process is expected to provide valuable insights into what went wrong and how to improve Nigeria’s performance at future international events.
The country is now looking forward to the Paralympic Games, which begins on August 28 in Paris. The event will provide an opportunity for Nigeria to redeem itself and make a mark in the world of para-sports.
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