In the wake of Nigeria’s disappointing winless performance at the Budapest 2023 World Athletics Championships, Professor Emmanuel Ojeme, a distinguished member of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), has issued a call to action.
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He emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to ensure Nigeria’s athletes not only participate but also excel at the upcoming Tokyo 2025 edition of the World Athletics Championships.
Ojeme, a prominent figure in the Nigerian sports administration, insists that Nigeria, often hailed as the “Giant of Africa,” must live up to its sporting reputation.
The nation’s athletes must not merely partake in these global competitions but must also deliver outstanding performances. He characterizes this as the solemn duty of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.
Highlighting Nigeria’s abundant athletic talent, particularly among its youth population, Ojeme emphasizes that these talents need to be identified, nurtured, and honed.
To achieve this, he advocates for a systematic and scientifically structured approach led by professionally trained personnel.
He suggests that this process should involve various horizontal and vertical competitions to foster growth and development.
In addition to physical training, Ojeme underscores the critical importance of psychological guidance for athletes. He stresses the need for personal discipline, adherence to prescribed nutrition plans, rigorous training schedules, avoidance of steroids and doping, and receptiveness to coaching instructions.
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He emphasizes that an athlete’s performance is not solely defined by past achievements but by their competence in the present situation.
Specifically addressing athletes like Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume, Ojeme advises them to focus resolutely on their present and future careers to maintain their relevance on the international stage.
He also calls upon the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, the Sports Ministry, and all stakeholders to convene a comprehensive round table discussion to chart the path forward for Nigerian athletics.
Ojeme envisions a brighter future for Nigerian athletics, believing that the nation has the potential to perform far better than its recent outings.
He insists that part of the reform process should include continuous training and development for coaches and other support personnel to ensure they possess the latest knowledge and competencies required for the job.
In conclusion, Ojeme declares that the Budapest 2023 World Championships should serve as a turning point for the development of athletics in Nigeria.
He implores all concerned parties to reevaluate existing programs and practices, with the ultimate goal of delivering more productive and successful performances in the years to come.
The call for reform in Nigerian athletics is resounding, and the message is clear: all hands must be on deck to secure a brighter future for Nigerian athletes on the global stage.
