The Paris 2024 Olympics will be remembered as a missed opportunity for Team Nigeria, as the country’s athletes failed to secure a single medal despite high hopes and significant investment.
The team’s underwhelming performance has raised questions about the effectiveness of the country’s sports development programs and the preparation of its athletes for the global stage.
It was reported that a whopping N12 billion was approved by President Bola Tinubu for the country’s outing at the Olympics and the Paralympics, with a significant portion dedicated to athlete development programs, training camps, and international competitions. However, the investment failed to yield the desired results, as Team Nigeria struggled to make an impact in various events.
The build-up to the Olympics was marked by optimism, with Nigerian athletes dominating continental competitions and setting new records. However, the team’s performance in Paris was a far cry from the promise shown in the lead-up to the Games.
Hannah Reuben’s loss in the Women’s Freestyle 76kg fight marked the end of Nigeria’s slim hopes of making the podium, while Favour Ofili’s historic run in the 200m ended in the semi-finals. Tobi Amusan, the world record holder in hurdles, suffered a shocking loss in the semi-finals, and Ese Brume, Ruth Usoro, and Prestina Ochonogor failed to secure a medal in the women’s long jump final.
Team Nigeria’s performance in Paris was a disappointment, especially when compared to previous Olympic outings. The team’s inability to secure a single medal is a stark reminder of the country’s struggles to translate continental success into global glory.
The team’s performance is eerily similar to the 1952 Helsinki, 1956 Melbourne, 1960 Rome, 1968 Mexico, 1980 Moscow, and 1988 Seoul Olympics, where Nigeria also failed to win any medals. The lack of progress is a concern, and the team’s performance in Paris highlights the need for a re-evaluation of Nigeria’s approach to the Olympics.
The Nigerian government and sports authorities must take a hard look at the country’s sports development programs and identify areas for improvement. The team’s performance in Paris is a wake-up call, and urgent action is needed to ensure that Nigerian athletes are better prepared for future international competitions.
