Paris Olympics: NOC Exonerates Self, Attributes Team Nigeria’s Poor Outing To Late Release Of Funds

As Nigerians continue to query Team Nigeria’s participation at the just concluded Paris 2024 Olympics Games in France, the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) may have exonerated itself from any blame for the woeful performance, blaming federal government through the Ministry of Sports Development for failing to release funds on time to prepare athletes for podium success.

This was contained in a statement issued by the public relations officer of the NOC, Tony Nezianya, yesterday.

The Nigerian sports apex body, in the statement, lamented that witnessing fellow African nations like Botswana achieve historic milestones at the Games underscores the importance of long-term strategic development for athletes and emphasized the necessity for strong collaboration and a clear understanding of the various roles within the Olympic family, including partners and the government.

NOC President Habu Gumel, however, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the resources to support Team Nigeria’s participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics, saying the athletes demonstrated exceptional dedication during the Games and earned eight placement Diplomas for their performances but their effort fell short of achieving podium finishes, leading to disappointment among Nigerians at home and abroad.

“Within the Olympic Movement, we share in this disappointment as Nigerians, and we are committed to taking decisive action to address the underlying issues that have contributed to these sub-par performance in collaboration with other stakeholders.

“In light of this setback, we must analyse the root causes of our shortcomings and revisit fundamental principles.

“Recognising that timely funding plays a pivotal role in securing podium success at the Olympic Games is crucial. Without interruption, it necessitates continuous engagement with athletes, technical experts, professional administrators, and stakeholders throughout the 4-year cycle.

“Moreover, as integral components of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, the National Sports Federations should be empowered to consistently prepare athletes, conduct training sessions, and organise qualification events that nurture sporting talents capable of reaching podium finishes.

“Also, the participation of the National Teams in major sporting tournaments such as the Commonwealth Games, the African Games, the Youth Games, the World Championships and others are crucial to the preparations for the Olympic Games.

“Over the years, we have consistently provided scholarships, grants, coaching, and refereeing courses through the IOC, Olympic Solidarity and ANOCA sources to our athletes and administrators,” the statement read in part.

According to the Olympic body, despite the overall below-par- performance, Team Nigeria recorded remarkable achievements in certain sports. “For example, our basketball team, D’Tigress, displayed remarkable resilience and determination by advancing in the tournament and defeating Australia and Canada. This is the first time an African team in either the mens or women’s competition reached the quarter-finals of the Olympic basketball event.

“Remarkably, our women’s basketball team coach, Trainer Rene Wakama, was voted the best Coach/Manager at the Paris 2024 Olympic Basketball Tournament.

“However, unfortunately, many noteworthy stars in our Olympic team could not excel in their various sports, including the World record holder, Tobi Amusan, in the women’s 100-meters hurdles.”

Going further, Engr Habu Gumel-led NOC, while appealing to the private sector to complement the effort of the government, advocated for early preparation and adequate funding as the critical solution, urging the government to implement a comprehensive sports-related concept and target grassroots development programs in schools and colleges – including the training and certification of sports managers (coaches, referees, administrators and others).

“We also appeal to the private sector to complement the effort of the government. A meticulously devised programme spanning four years leading up to the next Olympic Games is crucial for future success. This initiative should involve the active participation of the private sector in funding sports clubs, developing sports infrastructures and facilities, and providing equipment for athletes.

“In conclusion, we aim to reassure everyone that the setbacks of the past will not be repeated as we adhere to the Olympic Movement and the Charter for the betterment of the nation.”