How not to represent country, showcase talents on global stage

Like in other endeavours, failure to plan in sports equates to planning to fail. Nigeria’s woeful outings at the Paris Olympic Games, and the 2024 World U-20 Athletics Championships, in Lima, Peru, succinctly capture the ugly state of affairs in the sports sector. GOWON AKPODONOR writes that poor planning, grueling travel plans, and late release of funds for major meets are key in denying the country podium finishes.

Calendars for major international competitions are released years before such championships. This development is to enable teams and countries prepare for such competitions and make hitch-free and tidy logistics to and fro competition venues.

In planning for competitions overseas, teams are expected to familiarise themselves with the peculiar immigration processes of the host nation, the frequency and availability of flights to such venues, and to have a fair knowledge of a sustainable budget to participate successfully in such competitions.

Over the years, Nigeria has left many across the world wondering how it intends to leverage its young population to ensure podium finishes in international sports meets when all it does is keep on failing basic preparatory and planning tests, including carrying out timely logistics/travel for national teams.

For instance, findings by The Guardian revealed that the trip to the 2024 World U-20 Athletics Championships in Lima, Peru, was one of the most hectic for athletes who have been representing the country.

According to one of the athletes, who pleaded anonymity, the Nigerian flag bearers received their travel information on the eve of their departure, a development, which forced them to make frantic, last-minute efforts to reach Abuja on time from various parts of the