**Sports Management Gaps Highlight Nation’s Challenges**
In the wake of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, frustration has swept social media over the failure of the Nigerian team to win medals despite a huge financial investment. Former Olympic champion, Obi, has openly expressed his disappointment over the outcome, pointing to what he calls “scum and irresponsibility” in the management of the Olympic project by the country’s sports authorities.
Nigeria’s Olympic team, comprising 88 athletes, cost about N12 billion but did not bring home a single medal. Obi points out that this expenditure is almost double the budget allocated to the entire Ministry of Science and Technology for that year.
He compared the situation to Jamaica, a country that spent far less – about $2,300 per athlete – and managed to win six medals, including one gold. The bitter comparison raises critical questions about the effectiveness of resource and talent management in Nigeria’s sporting arena.
Obi also highlighted the conflicts of personal interest that seem to trump competence, leading to a disappointing performance for the country. He decried the inexplicable disappearance of Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili’s name from the list of athletes for the 100m race, as well as the case of Annette Echikunwoke, a Nigerian hammer thrower who switched allegiance to represent the United States after becoming frustrated by Nigerian sporting authorities.
Administrative infractions and seemingly haphazard management that affected individual athletes were also highlighted, such as that of Ese Ukpeseraye, a Nigerian cyclist who had to borrow a bicycle to compete in her event.
Despite the disastrous outcome, Obi highlighted the success of athletes of Nigerian origin who have competed under other national banners. These successes contrasting with the failure of the national team raise questions about the leadership failures within the country’s sporting bodies.
Obi’s stern tone reflects a strong call for national introspection, stressing the imperative for Nigeria to embrace discipline and competence in governance to avoid such disappointments in the future. In conclusion, the call is made for a thorough investigation and accountability measures for the wrongdoers, as well as rectification of the failed practices that led to this disappointing underperformance.