Fatshimetrie – In Search of Sporting Excellence: Investing in the Future of Nigerian Athletes
In a video post on his Instagram account, the controversial singer pointed out that during the 2024 Olympics, Nigeria only participated in sports that do not require much investment, thereby neglecting those that do.
“I was watching the Olympics; look at how poorly we performed. How many sports are we competing in? I saw that only sports that did not require minimum investment saw the participation of Nigerians, like the sports that required little investment that we did.”
He said that Nigerian athletes participated in track and field events because running is cheap and easy to do. However, in sports that require more equipment, Nigeria was absent.
“You know, to play football, you need a goalpost, a net and other things, in some places, boys use flip-flops to create a goal. But in sports that require equipment like rackets, nets, basketball courts and baskets, where it is difficult to improvise, we were not there. We participated in track and field events because running is easy to do. But in sports that require equipment, we are never there,” Kuti said.
Kuti proposed that the government should invest in sports leagues and offer big prizes to athletes, noting that Nigerians are interested in many sports.
He said, “Nigerians know all these sports and bet on them, so how much would it cost to create a good league and reward the winners with $25 million? Let there be a minimum of $1 million per year, after all, that is what boys in Europe earn. »
He also criticized the lack of opportunities for Nigerian talents, noting that lack of support and opportunities is the reason why many athletes represent other countries.
It is high time Nigeria recognizes the potential of its athletes and invests seriously in their training and equipment. By promoting a diversity of sports and providing equitable opportunities, Nigeria could see its representatives shine in various disciplines at future Olympic competitions. Investing in sports is an investment in the future of Nigerian youth, and it is a path forward for sustainable sporting and national prosperity.