As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games come to a close, the high expectations of sport-loving Nigerians have been met.
Engr. Habu Gumel, OON, FNSE, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), has praised the Grand Patron of the Committee, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his crucial support in providing resources for Team Nigeria’s participation in the Games.
The NOC President also extended his gratitude to Hon. Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh, for his dedicated efforts and welfare support to the team throughout the Olympics.
Notably, a team of 87 athletes across 12 sports was symbolically handed over to the Olympic Committee for the Games from July 26 to August 11, 2024.”
The athletes demonstrated exceptional dedication during the Games, earning eight placement Diplomas for their performances.
Their effort fell short of achieving podium finishes, leading to disappointment among our compatriots at home and abroad.
Within the Olympic Movement, we share in this disappointment as Nigerians, and we are committed to taking decisive action to address the underlying issues that have contributed to these sub-par performances in collaboration with other stakeholders.
In light of this setback, we must analyse the root causes of our shortcomings and revisit fundamental principles.
Witnessing our fellow African nations like Botswana achieve historic milestones at these Games underscores the importance of long-term strategic development for our athletes, emphasising the necessity for strong collaboration and a clear understanding of the various roles within the Olympic family, including partners and the Government.
Recognising that timely funding plays a pivotal role in securing podium success at the Olympic Games is crucial. Without interruption, it necessitates continuous engagement with athletes, technical experts, professional administrators, and stakeholders throughout the 4-year cycle.
Moreover, as integral components of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, the National Sports Federations should be empowered to consistently prepare athletes, conduct training sessions, and organise qualification events that nurture sporting talents capable of reaching podium finishes.
Also, the participation of the National Teams in major sporting tournaments such as the Commonwealth Games, the African Games, the Youth Games, the World Championships and others are crucial to the preparations for the Olympic Games.
Over the years, we have consistently provided scholarships, grants, coaching, and refereeing courses through the IOC, Olympic Solidarity and ANOCA sources to our athletes and administrators.
Despite the overall below-par- performance, certain sports showcased remarkable achievements. For example, our basketball team, D’Tigress, displayed remarkable resilience and determination by advancing in the tournament and defeating Australia and Canada.
This is the first time an African team in either the men’s or women’s competition reached the quarter-finals of the Olympic basketball event.
Remarkably, our women’s basketball team coach, Trainer Rene Wakama, was voted the best Coach/Manager at the Paris 2024 Olympic Basketball Tournament.
However, unfortunately, many noteworthy stars in our Olympic team could not excel in their various sports, including the World record holder, Tobi Amusan, in the women’s100-meters hurdles.
Looking ahead, we advocated for early preparation and adequate funding as the critical solution, urging the government to implement a comprehensive sports-related concept and target grassroots development programs in schools and colleges. This should also encompass the training and certification of sports managers (coaches, referees, administrators, etc.).
We also appeal to the private sector to complement the effort of government.
A meticulously devised programme spanning four years leading up to the next Olympic Games is crucial for future success.
This initiative should involve the active participation of the private sector in funding sports clubs, developing sports infrastructures and facilities, and providing equipment for athletes.
In conclusion, we aim to reassure everyone that the setbacks of the past will not be repeated as we adhere to the Olympic Movement and the Charter for the betterment of the nation.
It is recommended that the nation kick-start preparations for the next Olympics promptly, with the cooperation of all stakeholders, the government, and notably the private sector, so that we can achieve podium success at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.