Olympics: How Nigeria’s Poor Performance is Impacted by Ineffective Approach – FelixOwolabi
Felix Owolabi, a former Green Eagles player and 1980 AFCON champion, has criticized the recent underwhelming performance of Nigerian athletes at the Paris Olympics, attributing it to the “fire brigade” strategy employed by officials and athletes.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ibadan, Owolabi pointed to inadequate preparation time as a major issue. He explained that relying on last-minute preparations for both local and international competitions is ineffective.
“Nigerian athletes cannot achieve Olympic success with a reactive approach,” Owolabi said. “The Olympics require long-term planning and consistent preparation. Countries like the US, Japan, and China start their training programs immediately after each Olympic Games.”
He also criticized the Nigerian government’s approach of simply allocating funds for competitions without a structured plan. “Our sports strategies are outdated. Effective sports management requires more than just financial support; it requires a comprehensive plan.”
Additionally, Owolabi highlighted the poor state of sports facilities in Nigeria, noting that many are in disrepair due to inadequate maintenance. “During our time, sports facilities were well-maintained and functional. Today, the lack of proper infrastructure hampers the development of our athletes.”
He emphasized the importance of investing in quality training facilities and coaches to maximize the potential of Nigerian athletes. “We need to reevaluate our goals in sports and consider how other countries use sports to drive their economies.”
Owolabi’s comments underscore the need for a more strategic and well-supported approach to sports developme
nt in Nigeria.
