Nigerian sports journalist Christopher Maduewesi has called for more investment in athletics after Nigeria finished fourth at the African Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana.
Speaking in an interview with our correspondent after the competition, Maduewesi described Nigeria’s performance as “a bit disappointing,” especially after the country finished second when it hosted the event in Asaba in 2018.
Nigeria ended the championships with 12 medals, behind South Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia.
Maduewesi said South Africa’s success was even more impressive because the country competed with mostly younger athletes.
Still, he praised Nigeria’s young stars for showing promise.
He singled out athletes like Miracle Ezechukwu, Rosemary Chigozie Nwankwo and Toheebat Jimoh, who train in Nigeria and still won medals despite limited facilities.
Maduewesi said the National Sports Commission must continue investing in athletes, coaches and sports facilities if Nigeria wants better results in future competitions.
“Sports is very costly.
"It’s not something you can make a one-off donation and expect miracles,” he said.
He also said better welfare and training conditions could convince more Nigerian athletes to remain in the country instead of moving abroad.
Looking ahead to the Commonwealth Games, Maduewesi said Nigeria could have a strong outing if plans to camp athletes abroad early are carried out successfully.
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