‘Poor preparation cost Nigeria at Paris Olympics’

Nigeria’s dismal performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics has been attributed to poor preparation by the Nigeria Olympic Committee, according to stakeholders and disappointed fans.

Despite sending 88 athletes to compete in 12 sports, the country failed to secure a single medal, marking one of Nigeria’s worst showings in Olympic history.

Former Director-General, National Sports Commission, Alhasan Yakmut, has also questioned the preparation of the athletes.

“If you are competing against the best in the world, your preparation should also be the best. This is why Nigeria has no medal,” he said during a program on Arise News.

Ex-Nigerian boxer Ikechukwu Okoronkwo, reflecting on the nation’s poor outing, emphasised the crucial role of preparation in achieving success at the Olympics.

“The truth is that there are very few good coaches in Nigeria that can deliver. The worse situation now is that those good ones are being sabotaged,” he said.

He also urged the NOC and other stakeholders to begin preparations immediately for the Los Angeles 2028 Games, saying, “There are ways to raise international champions. The mindset, readiness, passion, and vision must come from athletes and the federations.”

Fans echoed similar sentiments, expressing their disappointment with the NOC’s approach to preparing the athletes.

Temiloluwa Scott criticised the inadequate investment in grassroots sports development, noting that the N9bn budget for the Games did not translate into success.

“There seems to have been poor preparation on all fronts,” Scott told The PUNCH.

“N9bn does not equate good preparation. We have countries like China and the USA with athletes who spend their whole lives training for the Olympics. The structure from the onset is very weak, and this was on display in Paris.”

Tosin Soyemi, a Nigerian based in the United Kingdom, pointed out that internal issues further destabilised the team.

“First off, I think there were two problems that destabilised the team. The Ofili incident and the D’Tigress not being allowed on the boat with the team at the opening ceremony,” he said.

“It felt like we didn’t compete even though our athletes tried their best.”

The Nigeria Olympic Committee, in a statement released on Wednesday, acknowledged the disappointing performance but defended the efforts made to support the athletes.

“The athletes demonstrated exceptional dedication during the Games, earning eight placement diplomas for their performances,” said NOC President Engr. Habu Gumel.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Sports Minister Senator John Owan Enoh for their support, while also recognising the need for a thorough review of the preparation process.

“In light of this setback, we must analyse the root causes of our shortcomings and revisit fundamental principles,” Gumel added.

Despite these efforts, fans remain unconvinced, pointing to a lack of strategic development and consistent funding as key issues that need to be addressed with fans on social media platform X also weighing in.

Sandy Love wrote, “In preparation for this Olympics, Nigeria only camped for a few months; some athletes even travelled from their father’s house to the Olympics. What a shame.”

Lateef Salami advised early preparation for the next edition of the Olympics slated to hold in Los Angeles.

“Your Excellency, please direct the Ministry of Sports to begin preparation for the next Olympic, Los Angeles 2028, immediately. We do not want excuses in the next Olympics,” he wrote.

“We have enough talents in Nigeria, and “catch them young” should be taken to primary and secondary schools.”

Looking ahead, the NOC has advocated for early preparation and adequate funding as critical solutions, urging the government to implement comprehensive sports development programs at the grassroots level.

They also called on the private sector to play a more active role in supporting the nation’s athletes.

“A meticulously devised program spanning four years leading up to the next Olympic Games is crucial for future success,” Gumel stated.

As Nigeria reflects on its Paris 2024 outing, the call for a complete overhaul of the country’s sports preparation strategy grows louder. Both fans and experts alike agree that without significant changes, Nigeria risks repeating the same mistakes at future Olympic Games and other major international championships.