NOC flays Team Nigeria's poor outing at Paris 2024 Olympics

Posted : 14 August 2024

The Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) has criticized Team Nigeria's poor performance at the recently concluded Paris 2024 Olympics.

The President of the NOC, Habu Gummel, said on Wednesday that the disappointing outcome lacks moral justification, considering the efforts put into preparations ahead of the games.

Gummel, however, called for a swift resolution to the setback to prevent future occurrences.

"The closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, for which all sport-loving Nigerians had great expectations, has come and gone," he said.

Speaking on the games, NOC President Gummel commended the Grand Patron of the Committee, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for providing the resources to support Team Nigeria's participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The NOC President also commended the Hon. Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh, for his selfless efforts and welfare support to the team throughout the Olympic Games.

Gummel said, "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."

"The athletes demonstrated exceptional dedication during the Games, earning eight placement Diplomas for their performances.

"Their efforts, however, 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, emphasizing the necessity for strong collaboration and a clear understanding of the various roles within the Olympic family, including partners and the government.

"Recognizing that timely funding plays a pivotal role in securing podium success at the Olympic Games is crucial.

"It necessitates continuous engagement with athletes, technical experts, professional administrators, and stakeholders throughout the 4-year cycle without interruption.

"Moreover, as integral components of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, the National Sports Federations should be empowered to consistently prepare athletes, conduct training sessions, and organize 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 is 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.

"Despite 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 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.

"Looking ahead, we advocate 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.

"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 program 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 infrastructure 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.

"It is recommended that the nation promptly kickstart preparations for the next Olympics, with the cooperation of all stakeholders, the government, and notably the private sector, so that we can achieve podium success at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028."

NOC flays Team Nigeria's poor outing at Paris 2024 Olympics

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