Following the country’s underwhelming performance at the just concluded World University Games in Chengdu, China, the Nigeria University Games Association says it will find ways to enhance the performance of its athletes in subsequent international competitions, The PUNCH reports.
After missing the last edition in Napoli 2019, the country was represented by 27 athletes selected from 22 schools in seven events at this year’s game in China but the contingent failed to win any medal at the games.
Acting Secretary-General of NUGA, Chidiebere Ezeani, said that the body was already exploring ways to reposition its student athletes for better performance especially in terms of getting funds to prepare them for the competitions.
“Most of our athletes fell out in the first round of their events. According to them, the competition was stiffer than they thought,” Ezeani told The PUNCH.
“So, we have to do better in terms of preparations and we need funding to be able to prepare our athletes, if we don’t start on time, we will not meet up to expectations and our athletes will continue to fall short.
“We are currently trying to formulate a way with the Senate and the relevant ministries including education, sports as well as the NUC to see how we can foster the best relationship to get the kind of funding we require for university sports.”
Some of the athletes who shared their experiences with our correspondent acknowledged the essence of the exposure as immense for their growth.
“Attending FISU Games is an eye opener for me and I can say it’s my best ever sporting experience I’ve had,” said Joy Aiyegbeni, a taekwondo athlete from Osun State University.
“Though I lost my fight, but it doesn’t make me feel like a loser but still motivates me to get better because I see a lot of people up there getting the medals and I feel like if they can get there, nothing can stop me as well.”
Another taekwondo athlete from the University of Jos, Olajumoke Olateju said it was a dream come true to represent Nigeria.
Team Nigeria are expected to arrive in the country on Thursday (today).
“There was a usual saying that Chengdu makes dreams come true, this was true in every aspect. The exposure we’ve seen will linger with us all through our life and I’m a proud participant of the Chengdu World University Games,” she said.
Badminton player for Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Motunrayo Abiola also said, “The experience was amazing and playing against some of the best ranked athletes in the world showed me how much I have to work hard as well.”
