Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh has expressed his support and encouragement to Tobi Amusan, Ese Brume, and other Nigerian athletes who participated in the 2023 World Athletics Championship in Budapest.
Despite missing out on podium finishes, the minister urged them to hold their heads high and bounce back from their setbacks.
Speaking to the media immediately after Tobi Amusan’s race in the women’s 100m hurdles final, the minister acknowledged the disappointment of the defending champion, who finished 6th and lost her crown to Danielle Williams, the 2015 champion. However, he emphasized the importance of resilience and determination in the face of challenges.
“We still stand to take pride in Tobi Amusan even though it wasn’t the result we would have wanted. With all of the circumstances of the last few weeks, she still showed why she is highly revered.”
“The same can be said for Ese Brume, Favour Ofili, Alaba Akintola, Chioma Onyekwere, Sade Olatoye and all other Nigerian athletes that participated in the championship. I urged them all to use the experience from Budapest as another learning curve and take pride in the fact they competed favourably at that level. As we learn the lessons from Budapest, we will work towards better appearances in the future,” the minister concluded.
On Thursday, Favour Ofili and Alaba Akintola both lost in the women’s and men’s 200m semifinal event respectively.
Amusan still holds the world record in the women’s 100m hurdles, while Favour Ofili remains the African indoor record holder in the women’s 200m and Alaba Akintola, Commonwealth Bronze medalist.
The minister’s message of encouragement serves as a reminder that setbacks are a part of any athlete’s journey, and they can overcome these obstacles through perseverance and a positive mindset. Senator Enoh highlighted the need for the athletes to learn from their experiences, use them as motivation, and come back even stronger in future competitions.
The minister’s words reflect his unwavering support for Nigerian athletes and his belief in their potential to achieve greatness. By urging them to embrace their outings, he is instilling confidence and inspiring them to continue striving for excellence in their respective disciplines.
Overall, Senator Enoh’s message serves as a source of motivation and encouragement for Tobi Amusan, Ese Brume, and their fellow athletes, reminding them that setbacks are temporary and that their true strength lies in their ability to bounce back and reach new heights in their athletic careers.
