Members of Nigeria's Olympic team arrive to attend a welcoming ceremony at the Athletes' Village ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on August 3, 2016. Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP
As athletics events, which is considered as the powerhouse of the Olympics begin, one of Team Nigeria’s coaches, Gabriel Okon has sounded a warning to athletes to focus and concentrate on their events instead of turning to prayer warriors hoping for a miracle to win medals.
Okon, a former athlete, said that all Nigerian athletes need was to be focused on their events and not be distracted or abandon training and be looking for manna to fall from heaven.
Hardwork, preparation, mental alertness and your quick reaction to the sound of the gun are some of the things that athletes require. To a larger extent, luck. Yes, you need luck too but not totally dependent on prayer. Other athletes are praying as well as working hard too. They should learn not to add unnecessary pressure on themselves,’’ he said.
- Guardian