*By Joseph Dimegbechie*
Judged by their own high standards, the leading economies of the Global South had a lacklustre performance at the recent Paris Olympics. Some, like China, must be feeling inconsolable. Boasting some of the most sophisticated sporting infrastructures and pedigrees, they had aspired to surpass Team USA but fell just short of the mark. China, which matched the USA in gold medals, ultimately conceded to their rivals in the total medal count, missing an opportunity to claim some prestige for the fastest-growing and largest developing economies outside the Western hemisphere. With burgeoning populations and an expanding role in international politics, nations like Nigeria, Mexico, Turkey, Brazil, Pakistan, and India must prioritize sports development as much as they do infrastructure and human resources.
Outside China, the Paris Olympics ended in disappointment for these emerging global powers. It seems they overlooked a critical element. Brazil secured only three gold medals and a modest total of 20 medals. The defeat of the Brazilian women’s football team in the finals against the USA was particularly poignant, given the country’s passion for the sport. “Better luck next time,” one might say to the Samba Girls. Mexico and Turkey each won three gold medals, while Pakistan added just one gold to a sparse tally for this collective of nations, home to the world’s largest human population and the custodians of our future. For India, which won no gold and only six medals, and Nigeria, whose team returned empty-handed, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics present another chance to succeed and claim some bragging rights to fit their rising reputation in world politics.
Many knowledgeable commentators have argued that unless nations from the Global South elevate their performance and start to dominate the medal tally, the Olympics risk devolving to the ignominious level of the Winter Olympics, which is often mocked in much of the developing world as the “White Olympics.” However, no concessions will be made, and if these emerging nations desire a shift in power, they must earn it through developing a successful strategy and investing substantially in the cultivation and nurturing of talent. The Olympic Games are a grand display of humanity’s natural athletic ability and resilience to excel, and they are a chance for every country to show off their citizens’ physical prowess proudly. This year Nigeria has had many struggles in this prestigious global competition, but the Nigerian spirit is nothing if not unyielding and tenacious.
An avoidable issue that has encumbered Nigeria’s ability to shine at the Olympics is the ill-preparation of the country’s Ministry of Sports Development formerly headed by Sunday Dare who failed to adequately equip the Ministry for this year’s Games. With the nation’s performance in 2020’s Summer Olympics and 2022’s Winter Olympics, it should have been a wake-up call for better preparation. In Paris, this year, Favour Ofili, a promising sprinter from the national team, unfortunately found herself unable to register to compete in the competition. Similarly, Ese Ukpeseraye, a dedicated cyclist, faced challenges as well and had to borrow a bicycle from the German national team. These project an unflattering image of Nigeria especially with the number of accompanying officials going to the competition who outnumbered the athletes.
Yet another disheartening issue is the significant number of athletes with Nigerian heritage who opted to compete for other countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and even less prominent nations like Bahrain. This raises questions about the sports and athletics environment in Nigeria when our own athletes prefer to represent other nations at the Olympics. Indeed, there are both positive and negative aspects to Nigerian athletes representing and winning medals for other countries. On one hand, it demonstrates the abundance of sporting talent in the country; on the other, it highlights the deficiencies in the administrative and motivational structures necessary to translate raw talent into medal counts. Despite these shortcomings, some accomplishments should be applauded.
In an official brief, John Owan Enoh, the current Minister of Sports and Development has surprisingly taken responsibility for the hindrances faced by the national team. This is unusual for Nigerian officials who love to play the blame game, ever out to save their reputation and pin it all on someone or something unrelated. Enoh has further developed a comprehensive plan to ensure Nigeria’s advancements and optimizations in future competitions, not just the Olympic Games. This is a breath of fresh air as it proves steps in the right direction are being made under the Tinubu Administration. Another important aspect of Enoh’s brief is his ministry’s resolution to renovate Nigeria’s sports facilities and refocus sports federations to bolster Nigeria’s performance on the international stage. This comes on the heels of the necessity of the country’s U-23 football team to construct a training camp in Germany before the Olympics.
But it is not all gloomy for the “Giant of Africa.” The inspiring story of Rena Wakama, a woman of Nigerian descent born in the United States of America who chose to coach Nigeria’s women’s basketball team (D’Tigress) over that of the US, shows Nigerians that even when abroad, we are proudly Nigerian, exceptionally patriotic. Ms. Wakama’s efforts were officially recognized by President Bola Tinubu as well as other individuals who have contributed to Nigeria’s place in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Her efforts have been fruitful with D’Tigress becoming the first African basketball team to cross the quarter-finals in the Olympics. Doping of any sort has recently become more common for athletes in the Olympic Games and Nigeria has been a repeat offender in this regard. However, this year, no competing Nigerian athlete was guilty of any form of unfair performance enhancement in Paris. This is commendable as it shows Nigeria’s national team’s dedication to good sportsmanship.
The Nigerian team returned home medal-less, yet they offered a preview of the potential for success in Los Angeles over the next four years with early preparation. Los Angeles is poised to evoke memories of the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, which was perhaps the most remarkable performance by Black Africa. The Nigerian Dream Team not only triumphed in men’s football, outplaying Brazil and Argentina the renowned powerhouses of the sport, but Chioma Ajunwa clinched Africa’s first female gold medal in a field event. The question remains: Can Nigeria replicate the Atlanta ’96 exploits in Los Angeles 2028? Given the indomitable Nigerian spirit this is certainly achievable. However, the groundwork must start now. The humility of the Nigerian Sports Minister is an indication that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Government can build the foundations to power the dreams of all Nigerians and hope for the Global South for a Los Angeles medals table flourish!
This is not the time to propose the removal of Senator John Owan Enoh, an unusually truthful public servant, a position being canvassed in certain quarters. Rather, it is the time to accord him every necessary backing to enable him focus and prepare for Nigeria’s forthcoming sporting appearances.
*Dimegbechie a public analyst lives in Enugu*