SHOULD WE GO THE WAY OF EX-INTERNATIONALS?

 

Given Daniel Igali's feat with Blessing Oborodudu in Tokyo Olympics... Shouldn't Sports Federations be man by ex-internationals?

The President of the Wrestling Federation from day one of the preparations for the Olympics has assured Nigerians of medals from his sports. While he talked many felt he was merely boasting. But he has proven that only he that wears the shoes knows where it pinches.

The former Olympian and dual citizen of Nigeria and Canada is one man who knows his onus and sport. He is down to earth. He gives his wrestlers welfare topmost priority. He often says, "Without the wrestlers, the Federation is useless."

He has brought his expertise to bear on his sport and his leadership of his Federation reflects his wealth of experience as an ex-international or wrestler.

Shouldn't this be the way to go to save Nigeria of this perennial hassles between athletes and administrators which often shamefully reveal the emptiness of the latter.

Yes, I know some critics will stormed here with clubs, arrows and bows but please save yourself the stress, this is just an idea that has been there in the minds of many for ages. The politicians and our leaders have continued to dump the thought or talk.

But globally sports is changing and very fast too. We shouldn't be left behind just  the world has left us behind  politically as far as democracy and it's dividends through good governance is concerned.

For instance the President of World Athletics body is a former athlete. Since he came on board, there has been massive and positive reforms which make the sport the envy of others.

Here we relegate our ex-internationals to the background. The best we can allow them have is a seat or two in the technical committees of the Federations which doesn't give them.much opportunities to contribute. They get muscled out by the board of the Federation when it comes to decision making especially as it affects the athletes.

Perhaps, the feat of Blessing Oborodudu in Tokyo is a wake up call for our ex-internationals to be given key and fundamental roles to play in the Federation. Funke Oshonaike and Segun Toriola should be considered in this line....and it should cut across all sports.

Funny enough, in football the ex-internationals end up with appointment in the technical committee which they don't even head. It is ridiculous to see a celebrated footballer cum ex-international sitting in a committee headed by someone who didn't kick a ball all his life. That's an aberration.