By Tony Okafor
Nigeria’s dismal performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics is a reminder of our country’s neglect and mismanagement of sports.
With 88 athletes participating in 12 events, our failure to secure a single medal is a national embarrassment.
Ironically, Nigerians excelled in other countries’ teams, winning 2 gold and 3 silver medals. This juxtaposition highlights our systemic failures.
World-class athletes like Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume, who have brought pride to Nigeria in the past, were unable to replicate their success in Paris.
The root causes of our poor performance are clear: inadequate preparations, corruption, and government neglect of our athletes.
Nigeria’s sports authorities have consistently failed to provide the necessary support, resources, and infrastructure for our athletes to thrive.
This trend extends beyond sports. Nigerians excel in various fields abroad, from business to science and technology, but struggle to achieve the same level of success in Nigeria.
This brain drain and talent waste are symptoms of a larger problem – our country’s inability to harness and nurture its human potential.
It’s time for a reckoning. We must address the systemic issues plaguing our sports sector and invest in our athletes’ development. Only then can we hope to see Nigeria’s flag raised high on the Olympic podium and other international competitions.
The Paris 2024 Olympics will be remembered as a missed opportunity for Nigeria.
Let us learn from this disappointment and work towards a brighter future for our athletes and our nation.
