Olympic Games: NOC President speaks on outcome, commends Tinubu, Sports Minister

Despite Nigerian athletes not achieving podium finishes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Engr. Habu Gumel, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), has commended the Committee’s grand patron, President Bola Tinubu, for providing the resources to support Team Nigeria’s participation.

In a statement by the NOC Public Relations Officer, Tony Nezianya, in Lagos, the NOC president also commended the Minister of Sports, Sen. John Owan Enoh, for his selfless efforts and welfare support to the team throughout the Games period.

Gumel said the athletes demonstrated exceptional dedication during the Games, earning eight placement diplomas for their performances.

Notably, a team of 87 athletes across 12 sports was symbolically handed over to the Olympic Committee for the Games from July 26 to August 11, 2024.

Their effort fell short of achieving podium finishes, leading to disappointment among our compatriots 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 contributed to these sub-par performances in collaboration with other stakeholders.

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

“Witnessing our fellow African nations like Botswana achieve historic milestones at these Games underscores the importance of long-term strategic development for our athletes, emphasising the necessity for strong collaboration and a clear understanding of the various roles within the Olympic family, including partners and the government.

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

Furthermore, Gumel stated that the National Sports Federations, as essential members of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, should have the authority to regularly prepare athletes, lead training sessions, and host qualifying events that foster sporting talent capable of achieving 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 is crucial to the preparations for the Olympic Games.

Over the years, we have consistently provided scholarships, grants, coaching, and refereeing courses to our athletes and administrators via the IOC, Olympic Solidarity, and Association of Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) sources.

“In spite of the overall below-par performance, certain sports showcased remarkable achievements. 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 men’s or women’s competition has reached the quarterfinals 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 on our Olympic team could not excel in their various sports, including the world record holder, Tobi Amusan, in the women’s 100-m hurdles.

“Looking ahead, we 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 programmes in schools and colleges.

“This should also encompass the training and certification of sports managers (coaches, referees, administrators, etc.).

“We also appeal to the private sector to complement the efforts 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 encourage the private sector to actively participate in funding sports clubs, developing sports infrastructure and facilities, and providing equipment for athletes.

“In conclusion, we want to assure everyone that we will uphold the Olympic Movement and the Charter in order to improve the nation,” the statement said.

The NOC recommended that the nation should start preparations for the next Olympics promptly with the cooperation of all stakeholders, the government, and the private sector to enable the nation to achieve podium success at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.