The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, has described the performance of the Nigerian national team at the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympics as “disappointing”.
The minister disclosed this in a statement on X.com on Saturday.
According to Henoh, the failure of the Nigerian team to win any medals was “a combination of so many other things that needed immediate attention.”
He said he would not only ensure that this does not happen again, but also ensure that the most suitable candidates are voted in in future sports federation elections.
He said: “Yesterday, I met members of the press at the Nigerian Embassy in Paris and attended a press conference following Nigeria’s participation in the 2024 Olympics. Upon returning home, we will discuss the future of the Paris disaster. We must do everything to prevent an outbreak. If this involves a review of how sports federations select leaders, that will be done.
“As the national sports federation elections approach, it will be the perfect stage to select only the most qualified people to lead the various sports federations.
“The disappointing performance of the Nigerian team without winning a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics cannot be addressed by Olympic participation alone, but is a result of many other things that need urgent attention.”
He added that, contrary to speculation, the ministry has made sufficient financial and other preparations to prepare athletes for the Olympics.
“We did everything as a ministry to properly prepare the athletes and provide them with all financial support, but unfortunately their performance could not produce a podium finish,” he said. said.
He vowed to ensure that candidates in the upcoming sports federation elections are thoroughly vetted.
“We know that elections to the Nigerian Sports Federation are even tougher than national elections. Must be set.
“This call for reform is aimed at strengthening the leadership and effectiveness of Nigerian sports federations and paving the way for improved performance on the world stage,” he added.
