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The Challenges Before Nigerian Sports - Ekeji Athens 2004 From Emeka Enechi and Pius Ayinor in Athens Director of Sports Deve-lopment in the Ministry of Sports Patrick Ekeji has said that Nigerian athletes can compete favoura-bly with their counterparts from other nations if the issue of funding is adequately addressed. "The financial challenges we have are the major set back militating against sports development in our country. No doubt, we have the potentials and talents but once they are not adequately taken care of in terms of training and preparations, our efforts will come to naught." The director described as unfortunate the fact that Nigeria has not won a medal at the on going games but said that all hope was not lost. "Of course we all expected higher level of performance by our athletes given the level of training they underwent. The games are not over yet, so all hopes are not lost. I am still hopeful that we will win some medals before the games come to an end. And that we have not won any medals now does not equally mean that we have not done our best." Ekeji, who had boasted before the Games of winning 10 gold medals, lamented athletes' attitude towards the games and attributed Nigeria's shoddy performance in the track and field to their insincerity. 'Most of these athletes burn themselves out even before the games and they always conceal injuries. You will only find out at the last minute. That was what we suffered at these games. This is as a result of the several races they participate in before such big events." In this regard, the director said Nigeria would be kick starting her preparation for the next games holding in Korea in 2008 immediately after Athens Olympics. "We have to change things and that is by starting early enough to prepare for the next games. Olympics Games we all know is for men. You have to prepare well to be able to do well. So we shall be starting early this time in order to beat time." Who Are We ? | About THISDAYOnLine.com | THISDAY People | Contact Us © Copyright 2000 Leaders & Company Limited

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