Sports enthusiasts in Lagos have urged for the early preparation of Team Nigeria in anticipation of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, U.S. This call was made known to newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday.
The enthusiasts expressed their disappointment that Nigeria returned from the Paris Games without any medals, despite the efforts of its athletes. They emphasized that early and strategic preparations are crucial for ensuring that Team Nigeria secures medals in their respective sports at the upcoming Olympics.
Philip Braide, a grassroots sports developer, highlighted the importance of starting plans for the 2028 Summer Olympics immediately. He urged sports administrators to implement short-term, mid-term, and long-term strategies to ensure a successful outing for Nigeria at the Games.
Braide criticized the “fire brigade” approach historically adopted by sports administrators, which he believes has hindered the discovery and nurturing of true sporting talents. He called for a return to grassroots sports development, which requires substantial investment from both government and private entities.
“We need to go back to the grassroots where true talents are discovered and nurtured, and this requires huge investment from government and private/corporate bodies,” Braide said. He added that early exposure to international competitions would allow for better assessment and development of young athletes.
Another sports enthusiast, Segun Solanke, CEO of Provarious Sports, stressed the need for comprehensive strategic planning for Olympic success. Solanke argued that Nigeria’s repeated lack of preparation has led to disappointing results that do not reflect the country’s potential and talent.
Solanke called for a new, proactive approach that includes strategic monitoring teams and proper financing of sporting federations to develop athletes.
Despite the presence of standout athletes like Tobi Amusan, Ese Brume, Blessing Oborodudu, Ruth Usoro, and Pristina Ochonogor, Team Nigeria did not secure any medals at the Paris Games, marking the country’s worst Olympic performance since London 2012.
