PARIS OF DISASTER! N12 billion, No Medal – Why Sports Minister, John Enoh should resign

With series of heartbreaking losses in Paris 2024 despite huge amount of funds released to the sports ministry, Nigeria ended Olympics without a single medal.

The situation that should have accepted the resignation of Honourable Minister John Enoh, an experienced farmer who became sports minister politically with no substantial achievement all round Nigeria sporting industry. The last time Nigeria did not win a medal at the Olympics was in 2012.

Nigeria did not win any medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. In the Women’s Freestyle 76kg fight, Hannah Reuben lost on Saturday, ending the country’s hope of winning a medal. She lost 5-2 to Mongolia’s Enkh-Amaryn Davaanasan in the round of 16, resulting in a disappointing outcome for Nigeria.

Team Nigeria participated in the Olympics following strong performances in qualifying events. Despite registering for 12 events, the country, like in previous Games, was unable to replicate its continental success at the Olympics.

Following a string of devastating defeats and a number of administrative oversights, Nigeria’s Olympic team has departed the Games without securing a single medal. This marks the first time the country has suffered such a medal drought since the 2012 London Games.

Nigeria’s poor showing in Paris was replicated in 1952 Helsinki, 1956 Melbourne, 1960 Rome, 1968 Mexico, 1980 Moscow, and 1988 Seoul where the country won no medal.

President Bola Tinubu allocated a total of N12 billion to support the country’s participation in both the Olympics and Paralympics. Of this funding, N9 billion was specifically designated for the Olympic team, while N3 billion was earmarked for the Paralympic team. This significant investment aimed to boost the morale and performance of our athletes and demonstrates the government’s commitment to sports development but unfortunately, it ended in shame.

The sports minister’s recent controversial remark has been dismissed as mere frivolity by some sports professionals, who believe that his resignation should have been the main focus of media attention.

There have been calls for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the ministry’s handling of the N12 billion budget, as there is concern that the funds were spent without achieving a tangible impact, which does not align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope campaign.

A Nigerian sports enthusiast based in the United States has urged the government to dismiss the Sports Minister, citing the excessive funding provided for preparations, which was unprecedented but did not translate to improved performance by the national sports teams.

Enho’s tenure as Sports Minister has been deemed unproductive for Nigeria, casting a shadow over President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The country’s football governing bodies have faced significant challenges, with the Super Eagles struggling to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and the national women’s football team experiencing a disappointing performance at the Paris 2024 games.