Julius OkorieElection of Sports Federations in the country will no longer be business as usual, as everything will be done to ensure that misfits and clueless characters don’t win such elections.
Minster of Sports, Senator John Enoh, who gave the hint, said rigorous scrutiny will henceforth be made to elevate the standard of sports in the country.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelEnoh’s submission is not unconnected with dismal outing of Team Nigeria at the 33rd Olympics which ends on Sunday in Paris.
Describing Nigerians outing as disastrous, the Minister said there is need to find out what motivates people into seeking to be at the helm of affairs in the sports federations.
He wrote: “I am aware that the sports federations’ elections in Nigeria are even tougher than our national elections. We must set our standards to scrutinise 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.”
Team Nigeria’s poor show in Paris according to the Minister, reflects underlying issues, insisting that everything must be done to change the narrative.
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“Yesterday, I met with gentlemen of the press at the Nigerian Embassy in Paris for a press briefing, following the country’s participation in the 2024 Olympics. As we go back home, we must do everything to prevent future occurrences 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.
“The elections for the federations are around 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.”
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The Minister has earlier promised to deal with AFN and NOC officials whose negligence denied medal hopeful Favour Ofili an opportunity to participate in the 100m race.
While the Minister is identifying and underscoring what went wrong in Paris Nigerians are waiting to see whether or not he will carry out the promised probe and the actions that will be taken to serve as lesson for other administrators who gamble with the chances of athletes.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
