Mixed Expectations As London 2012 Begins

As the 2012 edition of the Olympics Games officially begins with the opening ceremony in London today, Nigerians have expressed mixed expectations from their contingents to the Games.

Some sports analysts who spoke exclusively to the Tidesports in Port Harcourt yesterday were of the view that there will be improved performance by the country at the London 2012 better than the previous edition, while others were persimistic, owing to what they saw as poor rating of the country in all round sports in recent times. Some even believed that the country would come back without any medal from the fiesta.

A former Commonwealth and African Weightlifting gold medalist in the 69kg category, Oliver Toby, said that Nigeria will harvest medals from weightlifting and athletic events, especially in the female weightlifting category and 4×400 metres men.

“We can get medals form weightlifting and athletics. The female weightlifters are of world standard and the men’s atheletes, particularly, 4×400 have potentials to win something at the Games.

‘But in other events, I am not sure of any medal.” Toby remarked.

Also speaking, the PRO of Rivers State Sports Council, Barisi Wifa expressed optimism that there would be tremendous improvement in the performance of Nigeria’s contingent to the London Olympics better than the previous outing.

Wifa said that his hopes were hinged on the fact that the build up of Team Nigeria ahead of the Games was better than the other editions.

On the athletics events, Wifa noted that the multiple championships attended by the athletes and various achievements recorded were pointers that the country is sure of fruitful outing in London.

“We expect that they will stay focused and go for medals since the country is not participating in the football event at the Games.”

He used the opportunity to urge the coaches and other officials to build on the massive reception accorded the contingent by Nigerians resident in London and go for medals for the country.

Samuel Duru, who is a sports fan in Port Harcourt said he was hopeful that Nigerian contingent would fare better than their outing in Beijing, China four years ago, where they won only one silva and two bronze medals.

“I cannot accurately say that the country’s contingent will perform very well or not. My hope is that they will do well because the Games is a new challenge and no one goes into the battle or contest expecting to lose.

However, those who have little hopes of Nigerian success at the fiesta point to the fact that apart from one or two athletes, the country would be presenting average competitors in London.

Isaac Nwankwo