Podium ReportersPodium Reporters
  • Home
  • News
  • Economy
    • Global
    • Nigerian
  • Education
  • Politics
    • Asia
    • Africa
    • Europe
    • Finance
    • Nigeria
    • US & Canada
    • World
  • Science
    • Health
  • Lifestyle
    • Entertainment
      • Comedy
      • Ent & Arts
      • Film & Drama
      • Music
      • videos
    • Homes
    • Luxury
    • Media & Culture
  • Sports
  • Others
    • About us
    • Get In Touch

Subscribe to Updates

Get daily mail of the latest news from the Podium Reporters

[email-subscribers-form id="1"]
What's new

Victory not just mine, but every Lagosian — Sanwo-Olu

20 March 2023

INEC declares Sanwo-Olu winner of Lagos Guber polls

20 March 2023

24 hours to Lagos Guber polls, leadership dispute over LP ‘legitimate’ candidate lingers

17 March 2023
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Trending
  • Victory not just mine, but every Lagosian — Sanwo-Olu
  • INEC declares Sanwo-Olu winner of Lagos Guber polls
  • 24 hours to Lagos Guber polls, leadership dispute over LP ‘legitimate’ candidate lingers
  • FIRS Signs MoU with UK’s HM Revenue and Customs For Collaboration On Capacity Building
  • NASS leadership: Group roots for Hon. Sada Soli as Reps Speaker
  • Leaked letter from Tinubu’s camp shows president-elect wants to build bridges, reconcile aggrieved individuals
  • ‘Defeat, part of politics; perish thought of self-exile’, Tinubu tells Bode George
  • Accord Party abandons LP, endorses Sanwo-Olu for second term
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Tuesday, March 21
Podium ReportersPodium Reporters
Demo
  • Home
  • News
  • Economy
    • Global
    • Nigerian
  • Education
  • Politics
    1. Asia
    2. Africa
    3. Europe
    4. Finance
    5. Nigeria
    6. US & Canada
    7. World
    8. View All

    ISWAP KINGPINS ALI KWAYA, BUKAR MAINOKA AND OTHERS NEUTRALIZED IN NAF AIR STRIKES AT BELOWA NEAR LAKE CHAD

    7 November 2022

    End of the road for Odinga as Supreme Court affirms Ruto’s victory

    5 September 2022

    Gov. Sanwo-Olu named Tuberculosis eradication champion, rolls out state plans for TB

    26 August 2022

    Ghana Cedi confirmed world’s worst-performing currency as country battles worsening economic crisis

    18 August 2022

    Breaking: Queen Elizabeth II is dead

    8 September 2022

    Naira redesign to have positive impact on the economy – Experts

    27 October 2022

    FG will stop paying petrol subsidy June 2023 – Minister

    22 August 2022

    Victory not just mine, but every Lagosian — Sanwo-Olu

    20 March 2023

    INEC declares Sanwo-Olu winner of Lagos Guber polls

    20 March 2023

    24 hours to Lagos Guber polls, leadership dispute over LP ‘legitimate’ candidate lingers

    17 March 2023

    ‘Defeat, part of politics; perish thought of self-exile’, Tinubu tells Bode George

    15 March 2023

    Ogun Amotekun arrest man with bloodstained pants

    13 October 2022

    UNGA77: I’ll leave behind credible election in 2023 – Buhari 

    22 September 2022

    Buhari pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

    9 September 2022

    Victory not just mine, but every Lagosian — Sanwo-Olu

    20 March 2023

    INEC declares Sanwo-Olu winner of Lagos Guber polls

    20 March 2023

    24 hours to Lagos Guber polls, leadership dispute over LP ‘legitimate’ candidate lingers

    17 March 2023

    NASS leadership: Group roots for Hon. Sada Soli as Reps Speaker

    16 March 2023
  • Science
    1. Health
    2. View All

    Kogi Reference Hospital: Yahaya Bello’s Pure Genius

    28 April 2022

    Kwara hosts 22 APC States’ meeting on improving healthcare access

    26 August 2021

    Distinction: Sanwo-Olu Gets A+ Rating In Covid-19, Security, Infrastructure – Report

    10 August 2021

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Coronavirus Press Statement

    11 July 2021

    FACT CHECK: Video of Elon Musk endorsing Obi fake, part of dangerous disinformation campaign

    31 August 2022

    Metaverse ecosystem market to hit $2t by 2030

    3 August 2022

    Navigating Virtual Market in an African Context by Babatunde Adekanmbi

    10 July 2022

    Kogi Reference Hospital: Yahaya Bello’s Pure Genius

    28 April 2022
  • Lifestyle
    1. Entertainment
    2. Comedy
    3. Ent & Arts
    4. Film & Drama
    5. Music
    6. videos
    7. Homes
    8. Luxury
    9. Media & Culture
    10. View All

    ‘I want my old life back’, BBNaija star, Phyna cries out

    15 March 2023

    Cubana Chief Priest endorses Sanwo-Olu for second term

    6 March 2023

    I didn’t collect money from any candidate — Toyin Abraham

    21 February 2023

    Rema returns with two new songs for 2023

    17 February 2023

    Photos: Banky W, Adesua finally reveal son

    17 September 2022

    SSANU, NASU call off strike after meeting with FG

    20 August 2022

    Sanwo-Olu Inspects 1,188-unit Sangotedo Housing Project, Sets Deadlines for Commissioning

    17 September 2021

    Did you know? – Perfumery edition

    10 August 2022

    Do You Know Who Wore the First Lipstick?

    10 August 2022

    Nigeria’s database increased by 150% in three years, Pantami recounts success of NIM

    17 September 2022

    Nigeria, Qatar set for partnership over cultural promotion

    7 September 2022

    Ooni of Ife marries new wife, Mariam

    7 September 2022

    FACT CHECK: Video of Elon Musk endorsing Obi fake, part of dangerous disinformation campaign

    31 August 2022

    ‘I want my old life back’, BBNaija star, Phyna cries out

    15 March 2023

    Cubana Chief Priest endorses Sanwo-Olu for second term

    6 March 2023

    I didn’t collect money from any candidate — Toyin Abraham

    21 February 2023

    Rema returns with two new songs for 2023

    17 February 2023
  • Sports
  • Others
    • About us
    • Get In Touch
Podium ReportersPodium Reporters
Home » News » Tokyo 2020: Sports Minister Speaks On Nigeria’s Performance At Global Sports Event
News Updated:5 August 2022

Tokyo 2020: Sports Minister Speaks On Nigeria’s Performance At Global Sports Event

By Adekunle10 August 2021No Comments1 Views9 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Reddit WhatsApp

The Minister for Youths and Sports, Sunday Dare on Monday explained how Nigeria fared at the just concluded Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

In a statement, the Minister addressed issues surrounding the performance of Team Nigeria vis a vis the disqualification of athletes by the International Olympic committee.

Read the full statement below:

On Nigeria’s Participation at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Not wanting to add to the public distraction, I have deliberately waited until the end of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games before making any observations regarding the various reports on Nigeria’s participation in the quadrennial games.

2. This was out of respect for our athletes who had committed so much effort and made such considerable personal sacrifice in order to represent our nation as best as they could.  Overall, we should be proud of Team Nigeria and the effort they made. The bottom line is that these games should always be about the athletes and the spirit of friendly competition and excellence the Olympics are meant to engender.

3. Sadly, some people seem not to have embraced either the good cause of our national athletic pursuits or the collegial and noble spirit that the Olympics promote.

4. The rancour and confusion some people seem intent on sowing are terribly out of place given the impressive performance of our team and good spirit with which they performed. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics are now over, which means we can begin to honestly and objectively assess what was accomplished as well as what we must do to improve performance for future contests.

5. Nigeria succeeded with two (2) medals – a silver in wrestling won by Blessing Oborodudu and a bronze in long jump won by Ese Brume. Their performances were inspiring for they affirmed we can and should compete at the highest levels across the full range of sports events. Yes, we had wished and worked for more medals. But we must also put things in perspective. The medal outcome at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics stands as Nigeria’s best result in the last 13 years.

6. Moreover, the athletes of Team Nigeria did their nation proud. Many of them reached the finals of their respective sports and, competing with all they had, were in contention for medals until the final moment. Any one who saw their efforts would have nothing but the utmost respect for them, their coaches and all the technical staff that made Tokyo possible.

7. I thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his unrelenting support for Sports and Youth development and indeed for the opportunity to serve and lead our participation at these games. Team Nigeria placed 74th position on the final  Olympic medal table among 205 participating countries, despite our small contingent to the games. We were 8th among 52 African countries that participated. Team Nigeria excelled in many areas that engender hope for greater success in the future.

8. Nigeria had five Olympic finalists in 100 meters Hurdles Women, Short Put, Long jump, Wrestling and 100 meters men. Team Nigeria broke the 13 year old jinx of no medal in Long jump and 25 years of no finalist in the men’s 100 meters,  and secured a medal in wrestling for the very first time. Overall, our performance was good and more importantly it is headed in the right direction.

9. While the general trends and  overall performance was positive, I must mention two unfortunate incidents that occurred.

10. First is the mishap resulting in 10 Team Nigeria athletes being ruled ineligible to compete for missing their mandatory Out of Competition Test, OTC. When notice of this ruling got to me, I immediately mobilized my team and the AFN leadership to see how the situation could be salvaged. We mounted a vigorous appeal process with Athletics Integrity Unit, AIU and had the team members complete the tests.  However,  timing became the critical issue . Despite our energetic appeal, the deciding committee made its announcement which gave no latitude to our team members for what was only an inadvertent lapse.

11. The adverse decision was painful to accept. We had prepared carefully and eagerly for the Olympics with the expectation that each person, federation, coach and athlete would also complete the necessary preparations required of them. As Minister, I ensured that all necessary approvals were done so that all requisite tests and exams could be timely completed. For me this unfortunate incident is most painful because these athletes had prepared long and hard and also in view of the challenging circumstances due to COVID-19.

12. As the Minister I must bear some institutional responsibility for this lapse.  I also had to depend and expect that each person in the long and often technical chain will perform their role expeditiously and with precision. Unfortunately, somewhere along the line someone failed in their responsibility and  as Minister I bear the responsibility and brunt of criticsm.  But that is not enough. I must move to ensure that Nigeria never experiences another such moment. I have ordered a full investigation that will not only uncover what happened, but will also, recommend a process where such lapses can never occur in the future and initiate leveraging compliance monitoring technology to guardrail this.

13. I have personally apologized to the affected athletes. Here and now, I personally apologize to all Nigerians for this ineligibility episode. The AFN has also taken responsibility and apologized to the athletes and to Nigerians.

14. Already, a new Medical and Anti-Doping Commission has been set up to establish a fool proof system of testing and ensure Nigeria exits the A Categorization by WADA.
Also,Blessing Okagbare remains one of our best athletes who has served Nigeria well. We emphatize with her. Nigeria will monitor closely developments around her temporary suspension and appeal.

15. The second issue had to do with the apparel provided for the team.

16. The Ministry’s responsibility and that of the 38 National Sporting Federations, NSFs of kitting are well spelt out. The production of general wears for Team Nigeria is always the responsibility of the Ministry of Youth and Sport Development. Procurement for the Competition Wear is the responsibility of the respective federations because of the fact that each sport requires specialized outfits. Boxing, Wrestling, Atheletics and each of the federations need different gears. The Ministry provides budgetary support to the federations.

17. The quantity of competition wears given to each athlete is the decision of the particular federation. No complaints came to my notice until the Tik Tok Video posted by one of the athletes went viral. We Immediately stepped in to manage the situation. The Federation involved has been directed to provide a detailed explanation about the kit.

18. Team Nigeria was properly kitted for the games with a 9-item back pack using a local manufacturer in harmony with President Buhari’s policy on local content.

19. Before any federation which is a component of Team Nigeria however wears any brand, it must refer to the Ministry and the NOC for clearance and approval. The Ministry and NOC must be fully aware of the contract details by the Federation to protect the rights and freedoms of the athletes and ensure Nigeria’s interests are protected. In this situation, the Ministry wishes to state that the contractual arrangement between AFN and Puma prior to the Olympic Games has generated a lot of controversy between the former President of the Federation and the former Board members. I will not want to go into too much details on this issue because it is sub judice. Suffice it to say that the Ministry was not part of the agreement. The Tik Tok video on the issue was an attempt to create a media frenzy to embarrass Nigeria.

20. Following from the above, the issue relating to the competition wears vis a vis the alleged arrangement with Puma is most unfortunate. I have demanded a proper investigation into this matter. Such an inquiry will unearth the truth about how some people tried to sabotage Nigeria’s participation and undermine the country and our Olympic athletes.

21. On assumption of office as Minister of Youth and Sports 2 years ago, I began a gradual reformation of the National Sports Federations, NSFs.  For years, a few of these federations were very badly run. These reforms will take time. There already is and will be stiff resistance from some quarters, which is what we are witnessing now. But we are resolute to establish better sport’s management, a legacy President Muhammadu Buhari is desirous of bequeathing to our sports development.

22. There is much to hope for the future. In Tokyo, Most of our athletes were young and debutants – first time Olympians. They gave their all. If only we can support them in a sustained manner, they will give us future Olympic medals  and raise high the flag of Nigeria at all venues of international sports competition. We have started building a new generation of Young Nigerian athletes who will benefit immensely from the Nigerian Sports Industry Policy which will be placed before the Federal Executive Council for approval shortly. This policy will unleash the economic potential of our sports sector following President Buhari’s reclassification of sports as a business, away from recreation. This will be  the foundation for sustained sector growth and maximization of our human resources.

23. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics experience will move and challenge me to push our sports  to a higher level and seek a better condition for all our athletes.

24. Team Nigeria went to Tokyo 2020 and competed against the best in the world. Two Olympics medals and a statistical performance that has a place in the history of our Olympic participation despite being one of  our smallest contingents. We can perform even much better if we alI hold onto the lessons learnt.

25. I  remain grateful to all the athletes that so represented Nigeria well.

Sunday Dare
Minister of Youth and Sports Development
Abuja, August 9, 2021

Nigeria Olympic Sport Minister Sport Ministry Sunday Dare Tokyo 2020
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Telegram Email WhatsApp

Related Posts

00 Views

Victory not just mine, but every Lagosian — Sanwo-Olu

20 March 20233 Mins Read
00 Views

INEC declares Sanwo-Olu winner of Lagos Guber polls

20 March 20231 Min Read
0201 Views

24 hours to Lagos Guber polls, leadership dispute over LP ‘legitimate’ candidate lingers

17 March 20232 Mins Read
Add A Comment

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Demo
Top Posts

EXCLUSIVE: Obi agrees to deal to clear path for Atiku’s emergence

26 August 202222K Views

“We have no record of crime against Tinubu” – US declares, falsifies drug dealing allegations

8 November 202211K Views

“Yorubas are from lineage of traitors and cowards, will soon be landless” – Kennena Eloka, prominent Obi supporter, fumes on social media

8 October 20227K Views

Uproar as Obi demands over N1M in gate fees to address Nigerians

4 September 20226K Views
Lifestyle
Entertainment

‘I want my old life back’, BBNaija star, Phyna cries out

By Victor Fola15 March 20231 Views

Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma Josephina Otabor aka Phyna has yearned for her…

Cubana Chief Priest endorses Sanwo-Olu for second term

6 March 2023

I didn’t collect money from any candidate — Toyin Abraham

21 February 2023

Rema returns with two new songs for 2023

17 February 2023
Find us on social media folow
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest news from us.

Demo
About
About

It is our belief that the growth of any society depends on the quality of its journalism. We live up to this ideal by providing factual and full information on politics, sports, entertainment and culture so citizens can make informed decisions and act in defence of the truth.

Facebook Twitter
Recommended

Victory not just mine, but every Lagosian — Sanwo-Olu

20 March 20233 Mins Read

INEC declares Sanwo-Olu winner of Lagos Guber polls

20 March 20231 Min Read

24 hours to Lagos Guber polls, leadership dispute over LP ‘legitimate’ candidate lingers

17 March 20232 Mins Read
Most Popular

EXCLUSIVE: Obi agrees to deal to clear path for Atiku’s emergence

26 August 202222K Views

“We have no record of crime against Tinubu” – US declares, falsifies drug dealing allegations

8 November 202211K Views

“Yorubas are from lineage of traitors and cowards, will soon be landless” – Kennena Eloka, prominent Obi supporter, fumes on social media

8 October 20227K Views
© 2023 The Podium Reporters. Designed by Marvelworx Limited.
  • Home
  • Economy
  • Education
  • Lifestyle
  • Politics
  • Science
  • Sports

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.