Despite athletes’ free fall in Paris, Sports Minister still hopeful of ‘last magic’

The free fall by Nigerian athletes at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics notwithstanding, Sports Minister, John Owen Enoh, is still hopeful the nation will not return home empty handed.

Prior to the start of track and field event, Team Nigeria had only one win recorded in 14 matches, which came from the women basketball over Australia.

To change the situation, the Sports Minister has issued a rallying charge to Nigerian athletes, urging them to ‘fight till the very end’ for every top spot possible, just as he encouraged them to showcase their talent and determination in true spirit of Nigerian sportsmanship.

Senator Enoh emphasised the importance of resilience and determination as the athletes compete in these crucial events.

“Our athletes have trained tirelessly and are now on the cusp of making history. I encourage each of them to give their all, to fight for every position and to showcase the true spirit of Nigerian sportsmanship,” he stated.

Enoh also expressed confidence in the athletes’ abilities to deliver the medal going by the support they have received.

“We are proud of every athlete representing Nigeria. You carry the hopes and dreams of our nation, and we stand behind you as you strive for excellence. Let the world see the strength and resilience of Nigeria,” he added.

Nigerian athletes began on a losing side in track and field events on Friday, with the nation’s hope of having the first woman to qualify for the final of the high jump event faded early at the Stade de France. High jumper, Temitope Adeshina, neither cleared the 1.97m qualification mark set for the event nor finished among the top 12 that proceeded to the final.

Adeshina, who set a 1.97m Nigerian record in the event just under two months ago, could not