The Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has announced a thorough investigation into Nigeria’s disappointing performance at the recent Paris Olympics, where the country failed to win any medals despite substantial financial investments.
Speaking during a live broadcast on Channels TV, Enoh expressed his dissatisfaction with the team’s results, citing a lack of motivation as a key factor. He emphasized that the investigation will address all contributing elements and called for reforms within the sporting federations, which he noted often resist external input.
Enoh reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s performance in future international competitions and ensuring that the country’s athletes receive the necessary support and resources to succeed.
The announcement comes after widespread criticism and calls for accountability following Nigeria’s abysmal outing at the Paris Olympics. Despite spending an estimated N12 billion on the 88-member contingent, Nigeria returned home empty-handed, while other African countries like Jamaica achieved podium finishes with significantly lower budgets.
Opposition leaders, such as Peter Obi of the Labour Party, have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order an investigation into the matter, emphasizing the need to hold those responsible accountable and ensure that competent individuals are appointed to manage such important events in the future.
The Minister’s pledge to investigate the matter and implement reforms within the sporting federations is a step in the right direction. However, many Nigerians remain skeptical about the likelihood of meaningful outcomes, given the country’s history of inconclusive probes related to corruption.
As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial that the findings are made public and that concrete actions are taken to address the systemic issues plaguing Nigerian sports. This includes prioritizing long-term planning, appointing qualified personnel, and providing consistent support for athletes’ training and development.