A serious warning has been issued by Shuaibu Ahmed Gara-Gombe, the former chairman of the Gombe Football Association, to the Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, regarding potential interference in the elections of various sports federations, as reported by NewsNow.
The stern sports critic expressed his concerns following the minister’s threats to eliminate officials who are not contributing positively to sports development, in response to the disappointing performance of the country at the recently concluded 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Gara-Gombe criticized the misuse of the N9 billion budget and cautioned against the minister’s actions potentially angering the international bodies that the federations are associated with. He advised the minister to focus on ensuring that competent individuals hold key positions without interfering in the electoral process.
Speaking on Channels Television, he stated, “I agree with the minister’s efforts to place capable individuals in key roles within the sports federations. However, he should refrain from meddling in their elections to avoid backlash from the international bodies they are affiliated with. It is crucial that the right people are in charge of the various federations.”
Addressing Nigeria’s lackluster performance in Paris, with 88 athletes across 12 sports failing to secure any medals, the minister expressed disappointment and warned of impending scrutiny within the sports federations during the upcoming elections.
Enoh acknowledged the subpar showing at the Olympics, apologizing to Nigerians and promising to investigate the shortcomings while preparing for the Paralympic Games. He emphasized the support provided to the athletes and the puzzling underperformance of the team.
Pointing fingers at the federations, Enoh criticized their focus on qualification over adequate preparations, noting resistance to feedback on athlete selections. He highlighted the need for a shift in prioritization to improve future outcomes.
In conclusion, Enoh reiterated that the federations ultimately bore the responsibility for selecting athletes and coaches, underscoring the importance of proactive and strategic decision-making for successful sporting endeavors.