The Minister for Sports Development, John Enoh, has expressed his disappointment with Team Nigeria’s performance at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
In a statement posted on his X page earlier today, 10th August, John Enoh emphasised that the failure to secure any medals reflects underlying issues that require immediate attention.
He emphasised the importance of careful consideration in the forthcoming sports federation elections to ensure that the most qualified individuals are elected to lead the various sports federations.
John Enoh wrote, “Yesterday, I met with gentlemen of the press at the Nigerian Embassy in Paris for a press briefing following the country’s participation in the 2024 Olympics. As we go back home, we must do everything to prevent future occurrences of the Paris disaster and if this will entail the review of how people are elected to lead our sporting federations, it will be done.
“The elections for the federations are around the corner, and it will be the perfect platform to get only those who are most eligible to lead the various sports federations.
“Team Nigeria’s disappointing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the country did not secure any medals does not entail being addressed just by our participation at the Olympics, but it is a product of very many other things that need immediate attention.”
Despite claims that the ministry adequately supported the athletes both financially and otherwise, Senator Enoh emphasised the importance of addressing systemic issues beyond just participation in the Olympics.
“We did everything as a ministry to prepare the athletes adequately and provide them with every financial support, but unfortunately, the performance did not produce any podium finish,” he said.
Looking ahead to the federation elections, he emphasised the need for rigorous scrutiny of the candidates to elevate the standards of leadership within Nigeria’s sports federations.
He wrote: “I am aware that the sports federations elections in Nigeria are even tougher than our national elections. We must set our standards to scrutinize what motivates those vying to run the federations and get only the best hands.
“This call for reform aims to enhance the leadership and effectiveness of Nigeria’s sports federations, paving the way for improved performance on the global stage.”
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