After a disappointing display by Team Nigeria at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the nation failed to clinch any medals, Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has extended his apologies to the citizens.
The official results show that Nigeria concluded its campaign in Paris without any medals to its name.
On Saturday, the country’s hopes for a medal rested on Hannah Reuben, who competed in the women’s freestyle wrestling 76kg category but lost in the second round to Mongolia’s Davaanasan Amar Enkh with a score of 5-2 (victory by points).
In a statement issued personally on Saturday, Enoh stated:
“The Paris 2024 Olympic Games have concluded, and it is evident that our performance fell below expectations. We acknowledge that we did not meet the objectives and hopes of Nigerians.
“I take responsibility for this outcome, extend my apologies to our fellow citizens, and commit to reassessing our approach as we look ahead to the Paralympic Games of Paris 2024 (August 28–September 8th).
“Upon assuming office as the Minister of Sports Development in August 2023, my mandate was to oversee four major international events in quick succession – the AFCON, African Games, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. I was alerted to the fact that Olympic preparation typically requires a minimum of four years. Conversations with Ministry staff highlighted the lack of preparations less than a year away from the Games.
“In the spirit of resilience, our aim was to uphold Nigeria’s global sports reputation. We aspired to match or surpass the performance of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Efforts were made to enhance our athletes’ and coaches’ performance. In my early days in office, I requested plans from all National Sports Federations and conducted thorough assessments of sports facilities nationwide.
“Funding, under the guidance of HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President and Commander in Chief of the Federation, was readily available without limitations. Competitors’ needs were met, allowances were settled promptly, and training grants were allocated across the board. I remained on standby to address any concerns during the competition. Therefore, the underwhelming results are disheartening and demand an explanation for the nation.
“This outcome must serve as a learning curve, prompting necessary enhancements in all areas. The last time we returned from the Olympics without a medal was in 2012. Subsequent editions saw us secure a bronze in 2016 and a silver and bronze in the 2020 Olympics. Nigeria can achieve more. Let us transform the setback of the 2024 Olympics into a stepping stone for Nigerian sports.”