Ogunkoya urges First Bank to keep faith with Team Nigeria, Okagbare

AFRICA'S foremost quatermiler, Falilat Ogunkoya, has urged the sponsor of Team Nigeria and Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), First Bank Nigeria Plc, not to abandon sports sponsorship because of Team Nigeria's shocking performance at the ongoing London Games.She also urged the bank to continue its investment in its ambassador to the Games, Blessing Okagbare, who she said would become better. Ogunkoya, who competed at the top level for about two decades, said the bank should realise that sports is not always a smooth journey.'We really appreciate First Bank's contribution to our preparation for this Games. The performances of our athletes are no doubt, what we expected. Our expectation was that we would win a couple of medals in athletics, boxing and other sports that we presented, but so far we have not won anything.'But I urge the bank not to be discouraged but to continue to invest in sports, and very soon the investment will pay off.'Ogunkoya also urged Nigerians to be true supporters of Team Nigeria and not abandon the athletes because of the recent poor run. According to her, 'when Team Great Britain failed at Atlanta '96 Games, the British public did not abandon them, rather they went to the drawing board and came up with a winning formula. Look at what they have achieved today!'The Atlanta silver and bronze medallist said she has confidence in the ability of the present Minister of Sports and Chairman, National Sports Commission, Bolaji Abdullahi, to lead the revolution that would lead to the revival of sports.She said: 'He has the experience and qualities to take us to the next level. After these Games, I am positive he will come up with plans that will lay the foundation for future success'.I just hope that Nigerians and corporate citizens will join hands with First Bank to help Abdullahi succeed.
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