Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Nigeria’s Poor Performance, Establishment of Fed. University of Sports, Panacea- Ihonvbere

THE House of Representatives Member,  representing  Owan Federal Constituency, Honourable  (Prof) Julius Ihonvbere, has expressed displeasure over the abysmal failure of the country’s athletes at the just concluded Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Prof. Ihonvbere said that Nigeria’s fortunes in sports are wannig geometrically owing to inadequate facilities, poor management and encouragement, noting that the glorious days of Okacha, Kanu, Mary Onyali, Chioma Ajuwa created capacity in their own time.

He however sued for the establishment of a Federal University of Sports in Afuze, Edo State which according to him will no doubt creat the capacity to improving the country’s fortunes in sports development in the country.

The lawmaker stated this while fielding questions from sports writers recently in Benin City, the Edo State Capital.

While lamenting the not impressive performance of Nigeria’s athletes atTokyo Olympics game, Ihonvbere said the proposed institution would help to facilitate development of the country’s sports men and women and equipped them for better performance in future internation and local competitions.

“If established, the Institution would reposition sports as a major revenue and employment provider in the country. Hundreds of sportsmen and women who are retired will be ready to use the facilities to train our young sportsmen and women, the lawmaker observed.

He expressed optimism that the University if established would be crucial to the physical health and intellectual development of athletes alike who would end up winning laurels for Nigeria. This would be in addition to promoting expertise in sports business and management, sports information, technology and medicine.

It is imperative to note that the Sports College at Afuze which is the oldest sports institution in the country is saddled with the responsibility of training and developing coaches, sports managers and athletes for the State and the nation at large.

The outstanding performances of Nigerian sports men and women at various Olympics and global competitions, necessitated the then Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida to approve the siting of Nigerian Olympic Games Village at Afuze.

Recall that the Bill for the establishment of the Federal University of Sports in Afuze, Edo State which had passed third reading at the House of Representatives Chamber is being sponsored by the erudite scholar and seasoned politician, Hon. Ihonvbere.