Sports minister calls Nigeria’s performance at Paris Olympics ‘a disaster’

John Enoh, minister of sports development, has described Team Nigeria’s performance at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France as a “disaster”.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Saturday, the minister also promised to address the issues leading to the nation’s failure in France.

Nigeria presented over 80 athletes in Paris but failed to win an Olympic medal — for the first time since 2012.

The contingent battled administrative lapses and poor technical decisions alongside abysmal performances, a situation Enoh said the country must correct — starting with the federation election — to avert future disaster.

The minister vowed to ensure only the best hands are voted in during the forthcoming sports federation elections.

Enoh emphasized the importance of taking preventive measures to avoid a repeat of the “Paris disaster”.

“As we go back home we must do everything to prevent future occurrence of the Paris disaster and if this will entail the review of how people are elected to lead our sporting federations, it will be done,” he said.

“The elections for the federations are by the corner, and it will be the perfect platform to get only those who are most eligible to lead the various sports federations.

“Team Nigeria’s disappointing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the country did not secure any medals does not entail being addressed just by our participation at the Olympics, but it is a product of very many other things that need immediate attention.

“We did everything as a Ministry to prepare the athletes adequately and provide them with every financial support but unfortunately the performance did not produce any podium finish.

“I am aware that the Sports Federations Elections in Nigeria are even tougher than our National Elections, we must set our standards to scrutinize what motivates those vying to run the federations and get only the best hands.

“This call for reform aims to enhance the leadership and effectiveness of Nigeria’s sports federations, paving the way for improved performance on the global stage.”

While Nigeria failed to win a medal at the Olympics, three athletes and two footballers of Nigerian heritage won a medal for their adopted countries.

President Bola Tinubu had approved N12 billion for Nigeria’s participation at the Paris Olympics and Paralympic Games.