Rethinking the Olympics: The Nigerian Perspective
Rethinking the Olympics: The Nigerian Perspective
Introduction
The recently concluded Paris 2024 Olympics was yet another disheartening event for Nigeria, as no athlete managed to secure even a single medal. This outcome should not come as a surprise; rather, it is a direct consequence of long-standing systemic neglect of sports development in the country. The results from Paris are a reflection of the proverb, "you don't harvest where you never planted," highlighting the lack of investment in nurturing talent and providing adequate support for athletes.
For years, Nigerian athletes have faced a daunting reality: those interested in Olympic sports often have to sponsor themselves due to minimal or nonexistent support from the government. This lack of investment and encouragement from the nation inevitably diminishes the morale and motivation necessary for athletes to compete at the highest levels. It is unrealistic to expect these athletes to perform at their best when they are left to fend for themselves in a highly competitive global arena.
Moreover, the situation is further exacerbated by the absence of Nigerian representation in various sports at the Olympics. There are entire categories where Nigeria simply does not have any athletes, reflecting a broader failure to cultivate talent across the spectrum of Olympic sports. This neglect not only limits Nigeria's chances of winning medals but also erodes the country's reputation on the global sports stage.
The few athletes who manage to self-fund their way to the Olympics often face a disheartening reality once the games are over. If they do not win a medal, they are quickly forgotten by the country, left to grapple with the emotional and financial toll of their efforts. This lack of recognition and continued support drives many athletes to seek opportunities elsewhere. Indeed, there are several instances of Nigerian athletes who, after being overlooked by their home country, have gone on to win medals for other nations that invested in their development. For example, athletes of Nigerian descent like Yemisi Ogunleye, who won gold in shot put for Germany, and Salwa Eid Naser, who secured a silver medal for Bahrain in the 400 meters, underscore this trend. These athletes' successes highlight what could have been had Nigeria taken the time to invest in them.
One of the most puzzling aspects of Nigeria's Olympic performance is the lack of representation in sports that should be natural strengths for the country. For instance, Nigeria has a rich cultural heritage in wrestling, archery, and traditional sports like Dambe, yet these sports are underdeveloped and underrepresented on the international stage. Nigeria's riverine areas, such as Lagos, Akwa Ibom, and the Niger Delta, are home to communities where swimming and water-based activities are second nature, yet the country struggles to produce competitive swimmers. Similarly, traditional archery, which is an indigenous practice among hunters in various parts of Nigeria, has not been harnessed into a competitive sport at the international level, despite the presence of archery clubs in cities like Abuja and Lagos.
Furthermore, shooting is a sport that has garnered considerable interest in Nigeria, with many enthusiasts across the country. However, without proper training and investment in these athletes, the potential to develop world-class shooters remains untapped. It is clear that Nigeria has the talent and the interest, but without a structured approach to nurturing and developing these athletes, the country will continue to fall short at events like the Olympics.
Conclusion
The lack of medals for Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics is a self-inflicted wound, born out of neglect, lack of investment, and failure to recognize and develop the country's vast sporting potential. To change this narrative, Nigeria must commit to investing in its athletes, supporting them both financially and morally, and developing a broad spectrum of sports, including those that are indigenous to the country. Only by planting the seeds today can Nigeria hope to harvest the medals tomorrow.
References:
1. Oyediran, Tosin. “Nigerians Who Won Medals for Other Nations at Paris 2024 Olympics.” *The Punch*, August 2024.
2. “The State of Nigerian Sports at the Paris 2024 Olympics.” *Premium Times*, August 2024.
