Urging for improvements in Nigeria’s sports federations, Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh has highlighted the need for reforms.
This call comes in the wake of a disappointing performance by Team Nigeria at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Despite a substantial financial investment, Nigeria failed to clinch any medals at the prestigious event, as reported by NewsNow.
It is worth noting that President Bola Tinubu had sanctioned a budget of N12 billion for Nigeria’s participation in the Paris Olympics and Paralympic Games.
Expressing his concerns, the minister emphasized that implementing reforms is crucial to avoid a repeat of the dismal outcome at the Paris Games.
Enoh stated, “Upon our return, we must take steps to prevent future incidents like the disappointment in Paris. This may involve reevaluating the selection process for federation leaders.”
He further added, “With federation elections approaching, it presents an ideal opportunity to elect the most qualified individuals to helm our sports federations.”
Highlighting the intricacies of the situation, he pointed out, “The challenges faced by Team Nigeria at the Olympics result from various underlying issues that demand immediate attention. It is known that the Nigeria Sports Federations Elections are highly competitive. We must uphold rigorous standards to evaluate the aspirations of those seeking leadership roles within the federations and appoint only the most competent candidates.”
Enoh’s plea for reform is aimed at improving the governance and efficiency of Nigeria’s sports federations, thereby setting the stage for enhanced global performance.