A lack of government follow-through on promises has reared its ugly head again after members of the 2008 Olympic team revealed that pledges made to them had not been fulfilled after more than a decade
Oluwafemi Ajilore and Victor Obinna Nsofor, former stars of the Nigerian national football team, have recently expressed their disappointment over unfulfilled promises by the Nigerian government following their remarkable performances at the 2008 Olympic Games.
The Nigerian Dream Team reached the final of the tournament in Beijing China, only to be bested by an Argentina team featuring football luminaries like Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, and Angel Di Maria in the final match leaving them with a bittersweet silver medal.
A Moment of Pride, Followed by Disappointment
As the world turns its attention to the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, a throwback video highlighting one of Nigeria’s proudest moments from the 2008 Olympics resurfaced. The video showcased a sensational team goal scored by Nsofor, celebrated alongside Ajilore and their fellow Dream Team members.
This moment of glory, however, has reignited feelings of disappointment rather than joy for the two players due to the Nigerian government's failure to deliver on promises made over a decade ago.
Public Outcry for Recognition and Rewards
Reacting to the video, Ajilore, under the username @femfemo, voiced his frustration, questioning the whereabouts of the promised national honors and other rewards. “Where are promises and national honour promises for us? Someone should help and remind the FG. It's not too late,” he commented, seeking to remind the Federal Government of their obligations.
Nsofor, aligning with his teammate's sentiments, lamented the long history of unkept promises with a poignant remark, “No be today my brother, promise promise but never redeemed,” shared via his handle @victorobinna_official.
An Ongoing Issue of Unfulfilled Promises
This issue of unfulfilled promises is not isolated to Ajilore and Nsofor but reflects a broader concern among athletes representing Nigeria in international competitions.
The government's failure to recognize and reward their achievements adequately has been a recurring theme, leading to widespread disillusionment among sportsmen and women who have brought honor to the nation through their talents and hard work.
Ajilore issues call to action
The grievances aired by Ajilore and Nsofor serve as a call to action for the Nigerian government and sports authorities. It highlights the need for a systemic change in how the country acknowledges and compensates its sporting heroes.
As Nigeria prepares to participate in future international competitions, including the Paris 2024 Olympics, it becomes imperative to address these issues and ensure that athletes are duly honored and rewarded for their contributions to the nation’s sporting legacy.
The saga of Ajilore and Nsofor and the other members of the 2008 Olympic team is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by athletes in securing the recognition and rewards they rightly deserve.
As Nigeria looks forward to celebrating new victories on the global stage, it must also look back and fulfill the promises made to those who have previously flown its flag high. Only by doing so can the country truly honor the spirit of excellence and sacrifice that its athletes embody.
Related content
13:09 - 16.02.2024
From local hero to national icon - Nwabali's journey to AFCON Glory with Super Eagles
Stanley Nwabali details how he became a hero in his first major outing with the Nigeria Super Eagles at the AFCON 2023.
12:14 - 16.02.2024
‘I Cannot Go to Africa’ —- Jose Mourinho explains why he will not be visiting the continent anytime soon
The former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager revealed the heartwarming reason why he cannot visit Africa
21:38 - 15.02.2024
Osimhen considered favourite to replace outgoing Mbappe at PSG
Paris-Saint Germain could continue their love affair with Nigerian superstars by signing Napoli's Victor Osimhen to replace the outgoing Kylian Mbappe
18:36 - 15.02.2024
Napoli sweat over Osimhen's fitness for Barcelona clash after star lost up to 4kg during AFCON with Nigeria
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is a fitness worry for Napoli ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League tie against Barcelona next week
17:19 - 15.02.2024
Emmanuel Amunike ready to take Super Eagles job if offered to him
Emmanuel Amunike, the former Barcelona winger and Nigerian football icon, has thrown his hat into the ring for the prestigious role of head coach for the Super Eagles.
17:13 - 15.02.2024
Barcelona Femeni Lose 5-Year Winning Streak Two Weeks After Oshoala's Departure
Just two weeks after the departure of Super Falcons star Asisast Oshoala, Barcelona Femeni finally dropped points in the league against Levante following five years of consecutive victories
16:02 - 15.02.2024
FOOTBALL Throwback: When Ivory Coast’s AFCON hero Sebastien Haller scored maiden Dortmund goal on World Cancer Day following cancer recovery
When Ivory Coast AFCON hero Sebastien Haller scored his first goal since his recovery from testicular cancer on World Cancer Day itself.
11:00 - 15.02.2024
FIFA Ranking: Nigeria ahead of Ivory Coast, Haaland’s Norway after biggest move in 11 years
Nigeria has moved 14 places in the latest FIFA Ranking, sitting well ahead of AFCON champions Cote d'Ivoire, and Erling Haaland's Norway.
10:18 - 15.02.2024
OPINION The Disparity in Endorsment deals: Exploring Why Nigerian Football Stars Lag behind Their Musical Counterparts
In 2024, the disparity in endorsement opportunities between Nigerian football stars and their counterparts in the music and film industry remains a pressing concern.
10:05 - 15.02.2024
Good news for the Super Eagles as Messi faceoff remains on track
The Super Eagles are set to face Lionel Messi again despite reports claiming the match has been cancelled.
09:39 - 15.02.2024
From Nigeria to Algeria: Peseiro emerges leading contender for Desert Foxes hotseat
Nigeria's Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro is the favourite to take over the vacant position in Algeria.
08:43 - 15.02.2024
Nigeria's Chukwueze gets hero's welcome from AC Milan after AFCON 2023
Serie A side AC Milan players were happy to see Nigeria's AFCON 2023 star Samuel Chukwueze back in training at the club.
18:06 - 14.02.2024
‘Honored and proud’ - Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro express his gratitude to President Tinubu
Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has expressed his gratitude to the President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the award presented to him.
17:39 - 14.02.2024
Super Eagles Honored with National Awards: President Tinubu Pledges Support for Sports Evolution
President Bola Tinubu hailed the team for showcasing the power of diversity and team spirit during their thrilling campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire.
11:58 - 14.02.2024
AFCON 2023: No Osimhen, Iwobi as 3 Super Eagles stars make team of the tournament
Nigeria's Super Eagles and Cote d'Ivoire dominate CAF's AFCON 2023 team of the tournament.
11:49 - 14.02.2024
Alex Iwobi: Osimhen urges Nigerians to do better, says Super Eagles stars are humans
Victor Osimhen calls for unity and respect in the face of cyberbullying directed at Super Eagles teammate Alex Iwobi.