The Nigerian sports landscape in 2024 reveals missed opportunities, administrative failures and urgent need for reform across many areas.
The 2024 Paris Olympics were a huge disappointment for Nigeria, with the country failing to win a single medal. Despite high hopes, athletes such as Ese Brume, who had previously won bronze in Tokyo, were unable to repeat or improve on their performance. The result led to widespread criticism and calls for sports authorities to be held accountable.
The Super Eagles, once a beacon of hope for African football, are facing elimination from the World Cup, reflecting a decline in performance and management. Likewise, the women’s team has not escaped scrutiny, with their performances falling short of expectations.
Apart from football, problems in athletics, wrestling and other sports have been highlighted. The exclusion of promising athletes like Favour Ofili from major events due to administrative errors or favouritism is a recurring theme, revealing deep-rooted problems in the way sports are managed in Nigeria.
Social media platforms have become arenas for public outcry. Users have pointed to misallocation of funds, with stories of athletes funding their training while billions of dollars are allegedly being misused by sports bodies. The sentiment is clear: there is a systemic failure in the way sports are managed, from funding to athlete welfare.
The Minister of Sports Development and many stakeholders have acknowledged “disaster” on Nigeria’s Olympic performance, promising to reform the way sports federations are run. This includes stricter criteria for leadership roles in sports bodies, to curb corruption and inefficiency.
Fans, former athletes and sports analysts agree that Nigeria’s sports governance needs a comprehensive overhaul. This is not just about changing the face of the sport at the top level, but also about restructuring the way sports are funded, supported by athletes and accessed. The current model, as has been criticised, favours cronyism over merit, leading to poor performance at the international level.
For Nigeria to regain its sporting glory, there must be transparency, performance-based leadership and a focus on grassroots development. The sports ministry’s commitment to reform must translate into actionable changes in policy, funding allocation and athlete support systems. Only then can Nigeria hope to see its athletes not only participate but excel on the global stage.
The narrative surrounding Nigerian sports in 2024 is one of wasted potential due to mismanagement, but it also opens up the opportunity for real reform, where sports can once again become a source of national pride rather than a story of what might have been.
