Nigeria’s former youth international, Monday Kanu has reflected on the Sports Development in the country after 64 years of independence and submitted the sports is stuck and remains stagnant despite huge potential for a greater output.
In an exclusive chat with our correspondence, Kanu listed the factors that stopped the progress of Nigeria Sports after initial success, as the failure of Nigeria to win any medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics is a total reflection of the Stagnation.
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“The disappointing Paris Olympics performance underscores our stagnation. Despite vast talent and potential, inadequate infrastructure, poor funding, and administrative inefficiencies hinder our progress” began Monday Kalu.
The member of the Flying Eagles to the 1983 FIFA U20 World Cup says our athletes struggles on international stage not of lack of talent but for systemic issues and listed some of the things that need to be done to engineer the revival of the Nigeria sports sector.
“Our athletes’ struggles to compete globally are symptomatic of deeper systemic issues”, Monday Kanu told Sports247.
While he highlighted these failures, he went further to suggest measures through which to reclaim Nigeria sporting prowess which are as follows:
- Identify retired athletes with the requisite capacity to add value to the system.
- Invest in grassroots development
- Enhance infrastructure and facilities
- Foster effective governance and accountability
- Support athletes with quality coaching and resources
“Then, and only then can we harness our potential and reclaim our position as a continental sports powerhouse” Kanu concluded .
Monday Kanu, played for Bendel Insurance and Julius Berger during his active days, the Alumnus of the prestigious Howard University (Washington, DC, USA) has a degree in Business Management.
He is a sports business consultant and Youth and Environmental Advocate whose experience spans over 30 years on the field.
