Nigeria’s participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games concluded on a somber note as the nation failed to secure a single medal — marking the eighth time in Olympic history that Team Nigeria has returned home empty-handed.
The disappointing result has reignited widespread debate over the state of sports development in the country, prompting an official apology and a call for introspection from the federal government.
Sports Minister Issues Public Apology
In an official statement, Minister of Sports Development, John Owan Enoh, apologized to Nigerians for the team’s underwhelming performance.
“I must apologise to our compatriots and reflect on what went wrong while looking forward to the Paralympic Games, Paris 2024,” the minister said.
He acknowledged that the team’s efforts fell short of both governmental goals and public expectations:
“Our performance should have been a lot better… it obviously fell short of our objectives, expectations, and hopes of Nigerians,” he added.
Time Constraints and Multiple International Commitments
Mr. Enoh, who took office in August 2023, cited limited preparation time as one of the key challenges. Within months of assuming his role, the ministry had to oversee Nigeria’s participation in four major competitions:
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Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)
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African Games
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Paris 2024 Olympic Games
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Upcoming Paralympic Games (August 28 – September 8)
“I was confronted with the task of executing four international competitions in a matter of a few months,” he explained.
Comprehensive Review Underway
Despite the logistical hurdles and presidential support, Mr. Enoh admitted confusion over the team’s poor outing and emphasized the need for accountability across the board.
“We owe Nigerians an explanation,” he said, announcing that a comprehensive review process would be initiated — one that will scrutinize:
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Athlete preparation and performance
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Coaching strategies and execution
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The effectiveness of administrative and support staff
Support Was Provided — But Results Didn’t Match
The minister highlighted the federal government’s effort to ensure athletes were adequately prepared. These included:
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Onshore and offshore training camps
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Direct financial backing from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
“The President ensured that funds were not a limiting factor,” Mr. Enoh noted.
However, the inability to deliver results despite ample support has raised questions about the efficiency and structure of Nigeria’s sports programs.
A Call for Reform and Optimism Ahead
Mr. Enoh concluded by calling for a national rethink on how sports is managed, urging stakeholders to turn failure into a springboard for transformation.
“We deserve more… Let’s turn the disastrous outcome of the 2024 Olympics into a huge positive for Nigerian sports,” he said.
With the Paris Paralympic Games on the horizon, there is cautious optimism that Nigerian athletes might yet bring home glory — and begin rewriting the nation’s sports narrative.
