Paris 2024 comes to an end today with an air of despondency and frustration for anyone connected with Nigerian Sports. For those of us in attendance at the Games, it’s even more deflating because we all know this for a fact.
We are better than this.
To be honest, it seems the whole ethos of our Sports Development plan is geared towards just qualifying to make up the numbers. There is no DELIBERATE, INTENTIONAL and WELL ARTICULATED strategy geared towards successful appearance at major global sports competitions.
The way things are, and if the situation continues, it is IMPOSSIBLE for Nigeria to excel at these events without proper, LONG TERM planning. Presently, the haphazard nature of our preparation for the Olympics can only lead to frustration and disappointment. Expecting success when you don’t put in the work required over time is foolhardy at best.
Also Read: Sports Minister Advocates Review Of Federations’ Constitutions
To produce an Olympic Champion is a 7-10 year plan. We all get carried away with nationalistic fervour and emotion at competitions but it is wishful thinking to expect success with the present governance structure around Nigerian Sports which has produced powerful individuals but very weak institutions with the Athletes at the bottom of the priority list.
Things have got to change. And quickly too. Otherwise we will be in the same situation 4 years down the line.
Sport Mirrors Life. There are simply no short cuts to success. If we do not execute a drastic change to the present governance structures surrounding our Sports characterized by a lack of sincerity, powerful entrenched interests, Sports Federation’s that are simply not fit for purpose, no strategic Elite Talent Development Program and worrying lack of concern for the welfare of the Athletes, the story will be the same at LA 2028.
Simple as that…..
By Deji Omotoyinbo, in Paris
