As the US collegiate games NCAA 2025 season resumes, one of Nigeria’s best-known track and coaches Taiwo Ariyo has called for a new approach in allowing Nigerian athletes to join school teams in the US.
Last season close to 100 Nigerian athletes migrated to join in the US collegiate games, but only a few numbers of these athletes were seen representing their country at the 2024 Olympics. Most of them have fizzled out and cannot even reproduce the form they were in while competing in Nigeria.
“I think the main reason many are here is to “Japa” is not just the dream of achieving track and field greatness, it is the need to survive. Once some get here, they don’t find it very easy, and their morals decline, it is not as easy as it looks here” said coach Ariyo popularly known as Mr. T.
He noted that the Nigerian sport authorities need to try and give the athletes going to the US guidance, counsel and support.
“I think if we show them love we care as a nation, ensuring they know their country loves them. This could change the paradigm.
“We need to monitor them, praise them and push them to go higher.
“This is because the competition is high here; we should commend those who are doing well and mostly support those struggling. Their success is the success of our country as a whole; let’s view it from that perspective.
“Remember, the best of the best is coming to the American college system from all over the world, so the competition is fierce,” added Ariyo who is the head coach Warner University Florida track and field team.
Ella Onojuvwevwo one of the few athletes coming through in the USA.