Revamping Nigerian sports after Paris Olympics failure

By Dr. Sam Eno

The Paris 2024 Olympics, where Nigeria’s performance was lackluster, serves as a stark reminder of the dire state of our nation’s sports development. As a country with a proud history of excelling in athletics, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s when we competed favorably with global powerhouses like the USA and Jamaica, the recent underperformance is disheartening. It calls for a national introspection and a comprehensive strategy to revamp Nigerian sports.

A Legacy of Excellence

In the 1970s and 1980s, Nigerian athletes dominated the track and field events on the global stage. Names like Chidi Imoh, Mary Onyali, Innocent Egbunike, and Falilat Ogunkoya resonated across the world. These athletes were products of a well-structured sports system, which began at the grassroots level in primary and secondary schools. Back then, school sports were a bedrock for identifying and nurturing talents, providing them with the foundation to compete internationally.

The story of Nigeria’s decline in athletics is one of neglect, underinvestment, and the erosion of a system that once nurtured champions. However, this narrative can be rewritten. We must recognize that the journey back to global sports dominance requires a multi-faceted approach rooted in our past successes and adapted to modern realities.

Reviving School Sports

To restore Nigeria’s glory in athletics, we must begin at the grassroots. The revival of primary and secondary school sports is paramount. In the past, inter-house sports competitions were significant events that provided a platform for talent identification and development. We must reintroduce these competitions across the country, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate in sports from an early age.

Furthermore, the Nigerian government should institute a scholarship program akin to what existed in the past. Talented athletes should be identified early and awarded scholarships to study and train in the USA, where they can benefit from world-class facilities and coaching. This investment in our youth is not only a pathway to individual success but also a strategy for national pride and global recognition.

Revitalizing the Nigerian Universities Games (NUGA)

The Nigerian Universities Games (NUGA) was once a fertile ground for discovering talent and fostering healthy competition among our youth. Unfortunately, NUGA has suffered from neglect, with inadequate funding and poor organization. Revitalizing NUGA should be a priority, with the government and private sector collaborating to ensure that it becomes a premier event on the national sports calendar.

By raising the standard of NUGA, we can create a competitive environment that will not only produce elite athletes but also instill a culture of excellence and discipline in our young people. To this end, we must also ensure that the facilities in our universities are upgraded to meet international standards.

Engaging the Private Sector

The role of the private sector in sports development cannot be overemphasized. The Nigerian government should create incentives for private companies to invest in sports, whether through sponsorship of competitions, establishment of sports academies, or direct support to athletes. Public-private partnerships are crucial in building the infrastructure needed to support our athletes and in providing the financial backing that will allow them to compete at the highest levels.

Corporate entities could also be encouraged to adopt local sports teams, sponsor grassroots competitions, or invest in the construction of sports facilities. The government can incentivize these investments through tax breaks, grants, and recognition awards, fostering a symbiotic relationship between sports development and business growth.

National Sports Festival: A Serious Affair

The National Sports Festival, which was conceived as Nigeria’s Olympics, has lost its prestige over the years. The government must take this event seriously by providing adequate funding, ensuring transparent organization, and promoting it as a critical platform for talent discovery. The festival should be an event where the best of Nigerian sports talent is showcased and given the opportunity to be scouted for international competitions.

Establishing a Scouting Task Force

A dedicated scouting task force should be established to identify and nurture Nigerian sports talents in the diaspora from an early age. Many Nigerians born abroad have the potential to excel in various sports but are often overlooked. This task force should work closely with local clubs and schools in countries with a significant Nigerian population to identify and bring these talents into the national fold.

By engaging with our diaspora community, we can ensure that the next generation of Nigerian athletes, regardless of where they were born, has the opportunity to represent Nigeria on the global stage.

Additional Strategies for Revitalization

• Establishment of Regional Sports Academies: Regional sports academies should be established across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. These academies would serve as centers of excellence, providing training, education, and mentorship for young athletes.
• Introduction of Talent Development Programs: Talent development programs focusing on specific sports disciplines should be introduced, with a focus on long-term athlete development. These programs should be run by experts in the field and include access to state-of-the-art facilities, sports science, and nutrition.
• Strengthening the Role of Coaches and Trainers: Investment in the training and development of coaches and trainers is critical. The government should fund programs that allow coaches to receive certifications and training both locally and internationally.
• Establishing a National Sports Policy: A comprehensive national sports policy that outlines the vision, goals, and strategies for sports development in Nigeria is essential. This policy should be developed with input from all stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, sports administrators, and the private sector.

Time Frame and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Short-Term (1-2 Years):l

• Reintroduction of School Sports Competitions: Nationwide inter-house sports competitions in primary and secondary schools should be reintroduced within the first two years.
• NUGA Revitalization: The Nigerian Universities Games should be revived, with the first revitalized games taking place within two years.
• Establishment of a Scouting Task Force: The scouting task force should be operational within the first year, with the mandate to identify diaspora talents.

Medium-Term (3-5 Years):

• Scholarship Program Implementation: A scholarship program for talented athletes to study in the USA should be fully operational by the third year, with the first batch of athletes already in training.
  -Private Sector Investment Increase: Significant private sector investment in sports should be realized, with at least five major corporations involved in sports development by the fifth year.
  -National Sports Festival Enhancement: The National Sports Festival should become a premier event, with increased participation and viewership.

Long-Term (6-10 Years):
-International Competitiveness: By the 2032 Olympics, Nigeria should be competitive in athletics, with a minimum of 10 finalists in track and field events.
-Global Recognition: Nigerian athletes should consistently rank among the top 20 in global sports rankings across various disciplines.
Conclusion

Revamping Nigerian sports requires a commitment to rebuilding from the ground up. By focusing on grassroots development, engaging the private sector, and implementing strategic programs, Nigeria can reclaim its status as a global sports powerhouse. The failure in Paris should be seen not as the end, but as a clarion call to action—one that will lead to a future where Nigerian athletes once again stand tall on the global stage, bringing pride to our nation.

The time to act is now. Let us not wait for another Olympics to remind us of what could have been. Instead, let us work towards ensuring that Nigeria becomes synonymous with excellence in sports, both now and in the years to come.

Dr. Eno is a former Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics in the Ministries of Petroleum Resources, Water Resources, and Niger Delta Affairs. He has held several positions on the global stage and continues to advocate for the development of sports and youth in Nigeria.