Nigeria’s forgettable and embarrassing outing at the recently-concluded Olympics has been widely written on in Nigeria and even overseas.
One of the perennial reasons for failure was again in evidence as scores of officials went with a poorly-prepared and haphazardly put-together team. The goal, as always, was for government officials to take allowances and travel free – junket is the appropriate English word, I believe.
Until Rio is upon us, billion-Naira would be stolen in the various government sports agencies with nary a thought given to sports development.
Here is the take from Nigeria’s perhaps best evening newspaper:
You must invest in gold to win gold. It was never this bad but then, corruption and looting have never been this bad. emotanafricana.com
August 16, 2012 at 3:38 pm
It’s very unfortunate that in the country deaf, blind and self-centred people are at the helms of affairs. Talents abound in every nook and cranny of the country. All that is necessary is just to tap them young and prepare them for gold in sports competitions. If care is not taken, we shall be overtaken by other African countries in Sports in spite of our huge population advantage. Already we are experiencing this in football where we are sweating it out to qualify for major events.
God has really blessed the country in material and human resources but perhaps is punishing us for our sins for our inability to choose the right leaders.
August 16, 2012 at 4:19 pm
Thanks, Fatai.
We must catch them young or they become impossible to train for competitive sports.
I do not agree, though, about the punishment bit! To each He has given the brains and if we get it right in having good leadership, He would, I’m sure “answer” our prayers and not punish us!
Regards,
TOLA.