With many of our ‘medal hopefuls’ knocked out of the Rio Olympics, the statement ‘No Pain No Gain’ rings louder and louder by the day. Nigerian contingent went unprepared and ill-prepared at best. The story isn’t much different for most of our African brothers.

It is time we understood as a nation and a continent that you can’t by prayers or sheer determination alone become successful at anything. You must do the grunt work. You must work hard. You must start your preparation early. You must test yourself before any major test.
Without paying price you can’t earn the prize. I felt both angry and ashamed as the Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung was charging the Dream Team VI to go for gold at the men’s football. With what preparation or what motivation Mr Minister? With the background of arriving three hours before opening match in Rio? Or the background of being stranded in the hotel and having to be saved by Mikel’s personal money? Or no allowance background? Shameful leaders!

Whatever you set out to achieve, back it up with early, adequate, and right preparation, only then can your prayer makes sense.

God bless us all.

Good morning!