Following another disappointing performance by Nigerian athletes at the just-concluded Paris 2024 Olympics, the Nigerian Pillar of Sports, Chief Donatus Agu Ejidike, J.P., has called for a comprehensive restructuring of the nation’s sports sector.
In a statement released through the Chairman of the Office of the Nigeria Pillar of Sports, Prince Olayioye Ajide Shola, Chief Ejidike expressed deep frustration over the country’s lackluster showing on the global stage, despite being blessed with an abundance of talent.
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“It is disheartening that a nation so gifted with talents has nothing to show at the global meet,” lamented Ejidike, a renowned sports philanthropist. He attributed the nation’s poor performance to the failure of sports administrators who, instead of implementing effective policies, perpetuate a system riddled with corruption, nepotism, and impunity.
“Most sports administrators are not qualified to occupy the exalted positions as they are subdued by mental laziness and ineptitude which mar the performance and outcome of sports outings. In other words, they are subjected to the whims and caprices of political office holders,” Ejidike asserted.
He further criticized the current sports policies, arguing that they are incapable of propelling Nigeria to success in continental and global competitions. He pointed out the failure to distinguish between amateur and professional sports as a key issue, noting that grassroots sports should be the government’s responsibility, while professional sports should be managed by the private sector. “If the millions spent on professional football clubs by state governments were instead invested in grassroots development, it would create a veritable platform for professionals to tap into emerging talents,” he added.
Chief Ejidike also condemned the politicization of sports, which he said has resulted in the appointment of unqualified coaches and officials. He emphasized that proper policies would not only inspire hope among athletes but also bolster their sense of patriotism. “Imagine our sportsmen and women dying in penury and sickness; how will that encourage budding talents to don our national colors?” he asked.
Concluding his statement, Ejidike called for a holistic sports summit that includes all stakeholders and is driven by strong political will to create novel sports policies. This, he believes, is the only way to address the current sports debacle and restore Nigeria’s standing in the global sports arena.
