By Milcah Tanimu
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s poor showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite the country’s substantial investment of ₦12 billion, Team Nigeria returned home without a single medal, a stark contrast to smaller nations like Jamaica, which achieved multiple podium finishes with significantly less funding.
Obi criticized the leadership of Nigeria’s Olympic team, calling the performance a national embarrassment that portrays the country as a “joke” on the global stage. He highlighted several instances of mismanagement, including the exclusion of sprinter Favour Ofili from the 100 meters race, and the need for cyclist Ese Ukpeseraye to borrow a bicycle from the German team.
The former Anambra State governor called for an investigation into the Olympic management, stressing the need for competence and accountability to avoid a repeat of this failure at future games. Obi’s remarks reflect widespread frustration with Nigeria’s ongoing struggles in international sports competitions.
