2024 Olympics: Nigerian athletes who excelled abroad highlights poor leadership – Obi

In the wake of Nigeria’s disappointing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, former presidential candidate Peter Obi has called attention to the broader implications of the country’s failures on the global stage.

Despite being Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria left the Games without a single medal, a stark contrast to nine other African countries that returned home with accolades.

In a statement on Monday via X, Obi lamented Nigeria’s showing but urged Nigerians to take note of the successes of their compatriots who competed under other flags.

“While the giant of Africa finished without a single medal, where nine African countries won medals, Nigeria still registered some positives at the global event in a way that brought out glaringly our challenges,” Obi said.

He pointed out the achievements of four Nigerians who excelled at the Olympics, not for Nigeria, but for other countries where they had found better opportunities.

Yemisi Ogunleye won gold for Germany, Annette Echikunwoke, who had previously faced frustrations in Nigeria, took home gold for the United States, and Ebelechukwu Agbapuonwu, who was recognised as an athletic prodigy at the age of 15 in Port Harcourt before changing her nationality and religion, won silver medals for Bahrain.

Additionally, Rena Wakama, a Nigerian American head coach of Nigeria’s female basketball team, the D’Tigress, was named the best coach at the Olympics for guiding her team to the quarterfinals.

Obi highlighted the irony of these successes, noting that these athletes thrived because they operated in environments where talent was recognised and nurtured.

“At various times, Nigerians continue to showcase their talents and prove that with the right environment and the right leadership, they can surmount all obstacles,” Obi stated.

He emphasised that these accomplishments should serve as a wake-up call to Nigerians about the cost of poor political leadership.

“This message should challenge us to realise that our poor political leadership will continue to harm us irretrievably until we dismantle the corrupt system and enthrone a new Nigeria that is possible,” Obi concluded.