Renowned basketball promoter Igoche Mark has called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s sports structure, stressing the need for improved infrastructure, player welfare, quality coaching and adequate funding.
Mark, who founded the Mark D-Ball Basketball Championship, praised the country’s wealth of talent, but insisted talent alone was not enough for success.
Mark’s comments come in the wake of Nigeria’s Paralympic team’s impressive performance at the Paris Games, where they won seven medals, including two gold, three silver and two bronze.
The team was hosted by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the State House and presented cash prizes of $20,000 to the gold medalists, $10,000 to the silver medalists and $5,000 to the bronze medalists to the players.
Mark praised the first lady’s gesture and described it as a moral booster for the players. He also acknowledged the impressive achievements of the team, noting that it is one of the most successful sporting delegations in Nigeria.
However, Mark stressed that fundamental changes are needed for Nigeria’s sports sector to realize its full potential. He advocated increased government attention to sports infrastructure such as training facilities, high performance centers and medical facilities. He also emphasized the need for improved athlete welfare, quality coaching and adequate funding.
“The Nigerian government must prioritize the development of sport and provide our athletes with the resources and support they need to thrive,” Mark said. “A complete overhaul of our sporting structure is long overdue and I hope the Government will heed this call.”
Mark’s sentiments echo those of many sports enthusiasts and stakeholders in Nigeria who have long advocated for improved investment in sports development. As Nigeria looks to build on the success of its Paralympic team, Mark’s call for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s sporting structure resonates as an important step towards maximizing the country’s sporting potential. is calling.
