The Minister of Sports, Sen. John Owan Enoh, noted that he is still proud of the Nigerian athletes despite the outcome of this year’s Olympics, News About Nigeria reports.
Speaking at a news conference with Nigerian journalists in Paris, the sports minister urged Nigerians to use the experience at the ongoing 2024 Olympics to turn attention to what the sector requires.
He urged the nation to turn what happened at the Summer Olympics into a huge positive booster for the next season.
Enoh further noted that there are also numerous challenges facing the administration of the industry, such as sports infrastructure, as well as funding.
He said, “I remain proud of our athletes in spite the outcome of the Olympics; it is not easy in a world of billions of people. The commitment of the athletes and their level of patriotism – when I say what I want to say, I’m by no means trying to drag any of the athletes. As young men and women, they have done well for their country.
“Olympics are a function of too many variables, talking about the training and preparation, how much of it took place. How much this challenges us, for me, I wish I was speaking with you with records of results and outcomes that are better. Let us turn what has happened to huge positive for Nigerian sports. There are lots of takeaways even though we didn’t get the medals. The basketball team achieved what has never been achieved before, long jump, we may not have won any medals, but we had three Nigerians taking part in the finals,” Enoh added.
