Fatayi-Williams Rues Swimming Absence At Games

President of Nigeria Swimming Federation NSF, Babatunde Fatai-Williams is sad that Nigerian swimmers will not take part at the 2012 Olympic Games which begin this Friday in London.

Fatai-Williams said having participated at the 2004 Anthens and  2008 Beijing Olympics, it is sad that Nigerian swimmers will not compete with their counterparts in London.

“I feel sad for not seeing our swimmers in London because we did not participate in Olympic qualifying tourney. We tried our best to get the support of the National Sports Commission NSC support then but all our effort was in vain,’ he said.

Fatai-Williamns disclosed that it will take Nigerian swimmers some years to win a medal at the Olympics unless the government shows interest in the sport that produces more medals in Olympics and international sporting events.

He said one of the major challenges facing swimming in Nigeria is lack of facilities and fund, which are responsible for the failure our nation to participate at the Olympic qualifiers in June.

“We have some swimmers who can win medals for us in Olympics but it is unfortunate that NSC did not show much interest in the sport in Nigeria. If the government can give half of the support given to football to swimming, I strongly believe that Nigeria will rank among the best swimming nations in the world,” he said.

Commenting on the chances of Team Nigeria in London, Fatai-Williamns said Nigeria stands a chance to win medals in the track and field events, but predicted that they have very slim chances in other sports.

“We have good chances in the track and field events. The performance of Chika Chukwumerijie in the last Olympic taekwondo qualifiers showed that Nigeria stands a chance to get a medal at the Olympics. They can do well in other sports but the chances are not as bright like the track and field event and taekwondo.” he said.

—Sunday Akintoye