Former track and field star, Seun Ogunkoya, has expressed concern over the declining state of sports in the country.

Speaking ahead of the nation’s 64th Independence celebrations, Ogunkoya lamented that despite Nigeria producing world-class athletes, the country’s sporting sector, especially track and field, is regressing rather than advancing.

The former sprinter, who once ranked among Africa’s fastest men, highlighted the lack of proper support and funding from the government as key reasons for Nigeria’s struggles in sports.

He said: “It is out there for everyone to see we are not progressing as you can see, around the world, we are moving backwards, very, very backwards,” he said. “I cannot say about the other sports, but as far as track and field in Nigeria, we are not progressing. We are moving backwards.

Believe me honestly. And you should know what everybody is doing. Why are we into sports? Why are we doing sports? We’re doing sports to make our country proud. We’re doing sports to better our careers. We’re doing sports to promote our nation.

“So, and then sports will always go with money, with encouragement. But all those things, we lack all those things from the government. So, if there’s no encouragement, what are we expecting?

“If I mention the government support, you should know what I’m talking about. Everybody knows what I’m talking about. For example, are they giving those athletes grants? There’s nothing like grants. And those athletes, because they’re looking for money, will be running from one competition to another.

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