Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has sharply criticized Nigeria’s performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the country failed to win any medals despite substantial financial investment. Obi expressed his frustration through social media, accusing Nigerian sports authorities of “rascality and recklessness” in managing the Olympic project.
He highlighted that Nigeria’s Olympic contingent, consisting of 88 athletes and costing around ₦12 billion, yielded no medals, a stark contrast to Jamaica, which spent significantly less yet won six medals, including one gold. Obi questioned how Nigeria could spend so much and achieve so little compared to Jamaica’s minimal investment.
Obi criticized the mismanagement of resources and the prioritization of personal interests over competence in Nigerian sports leadership. He cited specific issues, such as the removal of sprinter Favour Ofili from the 100m race list and the frustrations of Annette Echikunwoke, who switched allegiance to the U.S. and won a medal for them.
He also condemned the presence of injured and unfit athletes in Paris, receiving allowances, and the embarrassment faced by cyclist Ese Ukpeseraye, who had to borrow a bicycle to compete.
Despite the disappointing results for Nigeria, Obi acknowledged the successes of Nigerian-born athletes representing other countries, such as Yemisi Ogunleye, Annette Echikunwoke, and Ebelechukwu Agbapuonwu. He also praised Nigerian-American Rena Wakama, named the best coach at the Olympics.
Obi called for a reevaluation of Nigeria’s leadership and sports management, urging for reforms to build a “New Nigeria” with a focus on competence and accountability.
