Nigerian Sports and mother luck.

   From Algiers '90, through Barcelona '92, Senegal '92, Tunisia ' 94, USA '94, Atlanta '96 and up until the recently concluded IAAF Championship in Moscow, Nigeria have banked more on luck than rewards of adequate preparations,for success. Those successes too, it must be said, came as a result of the sheer resilience exhibited by the athletes who were eager make a name for themselves. 

   We have heard cases of funds released to federations or athletes just weeks, or even days prior to an event. In some cases too, these athletes are made to bear the cost of almost everything involved. And some Nigerians, knowing these things,crucify them on the alter of non patriotism,saying they should be happy representing the nation. What a shame. The national colours they wear will put food on their tables, pay their bills and improve their standards of living? It all boils down to the corruption that is now a part of the Nigerian culture, embedded into the system by the ruling class. Nigeria have a lot of athletes representing other nations. Francis Obikwelu, Christine Ohurogu, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Carlton Cole are just a few names we lost to other nations.

   The day Nigeria adopt the method of adequate preparation that has been so effective for Jamaica, USA, China, Germany, Spain and indeed the rest of them; put round pegs in round holes and stop banking on mother luck who is now tired of Nigeria and her sporting methods, few nations,if any, can stand us. We have the human and material resources. Corruption, remains the problem.

   Sports is an instrument of unity in Nigeria and therefore should not be toyed with. Adequate preparations will take us beyond where mother luck will abandon us. Moreso, mother luck is tired of Nigeria, her sports and sporting methods.