Nigerian singer Seun Kuti has openly criticized the Nigerian government’s lack of investment in sports, especially in the wake of the country’s underwhelming performance in the 2024 Olympics. In a video posted on his Instagram, Kuti highlighted that Nigeria mainly participated in sports that required minimal financial investment, such as track and field events, while neglecting sports that need more resources and infrastructure.
Kuti pointed out that Nigerian athletes are often limited to sports like running, which doesn’t require much equipment, unlike sports such as tennis or basketball that need more substantial facilities and gear. He argued that this lack of investment prevents the country from competing in a broader range of sports on the global stage.
He called on the government to invest in sports leagues and offer substantial prizes to encourage athletes, suggesting that a prize of $25 million could significantly boost participation and performance. Kuti stressed that many Nigerians have an interest in various sports, and with proper support, the country could produce world-class athletes.
Kuti also lamented the lack of opportunities for Nigerian talent, which he believes is why many athletes choose to represent other countries. He used the example of Simone Biles to illustrate the potential being wasted in Nigeria due to the lack of investment in sports like gymnastics. Kuti emphasized that if more resources were allocated to developing sports infrastructure and training, Nigeria could produce many more global sports stars.