Olympics 2024: Peter Obi Criticizes N12bn Paris Investment 

(iexclusivenews) – Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has expressed his frustration over Nigeria’s poor performance at the Paris Olympics 2024.

He is particularly upset about the huge amount of money—N12 billion—invested in the Olympic team, which did not result in a single medal.

Peter Obi has called on the federal government to investigate the misconduct of those in charge, saying their actions have once again cost Nigeria a chance to make a positive impact.

Peter Obi is urging the government to look into what he calls the “rascalities of leaders” that continue to harm the country.

He believes that the attitude and actions of Nigerian sports authorities played a big role in the disappointing results at the Paris Olympics.

Despite the large financial investment, Nigeria’s Olympic team failed to win any medals, a situation Peter Obi finds unacceptable.

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“The Paris Olympics 2024 has officially ended, and our dear Team Nigeria, despite the huge financial investment, is returning without a single medal. I want to express my deep displeasure with the performance of our team and their handlers. The reckless behavior of leaders in this country has left us looking like a joke on the international stage,” Peter Obi said.

He pointed out that Nigeria spent more than N136 million (about $85,000) on each of the 88 athletes who represented the country at the Olympics.

Yet, with all this spending, Nigeria came home empty-handed.

What Peter Obi is saying

Peter Obi compared this to Jamaica, a country that spent far less—about $2,300 per athlete—and won six medals, including one gold, three silver, and two bronze.

This, he argues, shows just how poorly managed Nigeria’s Olympic effort was.

Peter Obi highlighted the case of Favour Ofili, a Nigerian sprinter who trained for years for the 2024 Olympics, only to have her name wrongly removed from the list of athletes for the 100m race by Nigerian sports authorities.

This mistake not only crushed Ofili’s dreams but also deprived Nigeria of a potential medal.

He also mentioned Annette Echikunwoke, a former Nigerian hammer thrower, who switched her allegiance to the United States after being frustrated by similar issues with Nigerian leaders.

Echikunwoke eventually won a medal for the U.S. in the Olympics, a victory that could have been Nigeria’s.

The problems don’t end with the athletes. Peter Obi revealed that some injured athletes, who were not even fit to compete, were still sent to Paris and were receiving estacodes from national resources.

Additionally, some sports officials and other unnecessary personnel were in Paris living large on the nation’s money, while athletes like Ese Ukpeseraye had to borrow a bicycle to compete.

Peter Obi’s criticism is part of a larger call for change in Nigeria. He questioned, “What a country! What a shame! When do we stop these rascalities that always rob our nation of golden opportunities to make a positive change?”

He urged the government to investigate these issues and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

Peter Obi stressed the importance of building a nation based on discipline, commitment, and competence rather than routine and favoritism.

For Peter Obi, this Olympic failure is just one example of the larger problems that have plagued Nigeria for years.

He emphasized his vision for a “New Nigeria,” where such reckless behavior is not tolerated, and where the country’s resources are used wisely.

“That is the New Nigeria we preach, and it is possible,”

Peter Obi concluded, calling for a complete change in the way Nigeria is led to avoid future disappointments on the global stage.