A Week in the Life” is a weekly Zikoko series that explores the working-class struggles of Nigerians. It captures the very spirit of what it means to hustle in Nigeria and puts you in the shoes of the subject for a week.
The subject of today’s “A Week In The Life” is Enoch Adegoke. He’s a track athlete who represented Nigeria at the Tokyo Olympics. He tells us about the challenges of being an athlete in Nigeria, how Nigerian athletes make money and why he’s trusting God for his future.
MONDAY:
I have trouble staying asleep. On some level, my body still thinks I’m in Nigeria even though I’ve been in Tokyo for a week plus. That’s why I’m up by 5:00 a.m. today. A typical day involves waking up at 5 or 6 a.m., doing my morning devotion, having breakfast, then leaving for training at 10 a.m. Training usually ends at 1 or 2 p.m. and I return to the athlete’s hostel to rest.
However, today is different. It’s a struggle to get out of bed. My body just wants to sleep, but I remind myself that I’m not here to play. I push myself up.
In the one week that I’ve spent here, I’ve met athletes from different countries, and one thing that strikes me is that most athletes are supported by either a sports brand or their country.
In the last race I qualified for, I noticed I was the only person on the track without support from Nike, Puma or any other big brand. For me, outside of a little support here and there, I’m mostly on my own in this competition.
In fact, I know say na God hand I dey.
On some level, I know that we’re all equal; at least on paper. That is, we’re all Olympians who qualified for the Olympics final. Now it’s up to each of us to bring out what’s inside us on the track.
Some people will see others with a lot of support and feel bad, but I don’t. I look on the bright side. I’m here at the Olympics, the greatest stage in the world, and if nothing, I’ll market my name and brand. I mean, it’ll be nice for someone to sponsor me so I can focus fully on training and my form, but what can I do?
In between thinking of money and pressure from home becausethey sent me to school yet I’m running up and down, it’s not been easy. But all glory be to God.
I’m working very hard because, in Nigeria, no one recognizes you until you make it to the top. With that in mind, I stand up, pray to God and commit the rest of my day in his hands. He has brought me this far and he can’t fail me. Not now.
TUESDAY:
On the bus to training today, I’m thinking about my journey. It’s unbelievable that I once prayed to be here today.
This journey started from my days running for my school team in O.A.U. I’d go from hostel to training to class. Sometimes, training would even take out of class time. I remember running to class after training just to mark attendance or sleep off in the class. On some days, my body would give up and I’d just go to the hostel to sleep.
Occasionally, I’d leave school to try out for the national team or represent Nigeria, and it was on me to make it work. Even when the school gave exeat, I still had to manage my tests and exams — after all, I’m the one who wanted a career beyond university.
I missed a lot of classes and exams then. I had an experience with a lecturer who said even though I was excused from classes, I didn’t make attendance, and there was nothing he could do. I ended up having a carryover that semester.
Looking back, a lot of the reason I scaled through school was because of God’s grace and crash reading. It was so difficult combining training, classes and other activities. I don’t even know how I coped. That I’m here today is not even by my power. There are a lot of people who have invested in my journey. From my family and friends to my coach, to everyone who has wished me well. It’s a double miracle because, for the first time in 25 years, Nigeria is in a track event final. And also, at my first Olympics outing, I qualified for the finals.
I’m hoping that when I run on Thursday I can make everyone proud.
WEDNESDAY:
There are two ways to make money as an athlete. You either represent Nigeria in competitions and save all your allowances or you get a side job.
The first option is not sustainable because injuries are a part of an athlete’s life. That’s why sponsorship is supposed to be there to help your finances so you can focus on recovery. But this is Nigeria and nobody is sponsoring track athletes so we’re working round the clock. You’re injured and you’re thinking about where you’ll get money to pay rent or pay for training gear.
If you’re not injured and you don’t qualify to represent Nigeria, you’ll have to find a side job. When you’re supposed to be resting and preparing for a comeback, you’ll have to find physical labour to do. As an athlete, you’re always thinking about money — even when you’re supposed to be resting.
The truth is that combining side hustles with athletics is very hard. It’s a necessary evil though because when you tell people you’re broke and you’re a runner, they immediately tag you as unserious. Only a few people understand the importance of sports in Nigeria.
I remember when I got into debt because of some investments that crashed. Omo, it took grace for me not to break down. At some point, I even started to doubt myself because all I could think of was the money I lost. To worsen things, I had not yet met up to the Olympic standards yet so I had other worries on my mind.
Thankfully, God used the Edo state government and the minister of sport to make things a bit easy for me. However, I’m still not completely clear. I still need some money so I can reinvest back into training. But I can’t be thinking of all that today. I have a big day tomorrow.
My plan today is simple: eat, train, pray and sleep. Tomorrow we make history by the special grace of God.
THURSDAY:
Omo. Today was devastating for me.
One minute I was in the race, the next, I had pulled my hamstring and that was it. Over. Just like that.
I cried inside. I kept asking why this happened now? At the finals of all places. The medical team examined me and on my way to camp I kept on consoling myself. I didn’t brood for too long because I know God understands better.
I know the best will come out of what has happened. As someone who has a personal fellowship with God, I recognise the importance of putting God in anything I do. After all, it’s still God and my training that brought me this far.
My consolation is that for a minute I gave hope to Nigerians. I felt proud hearing people call my name all over the internet. At least, some people know that there’s one Enoch Adegoke, from O.A.U, that represented Nigeria in the track finals.
It’s not much but it’s comforting. I only pray that this Olympics opens more doors beyond this competition.
FRIDAY:
“MRI scan, hamstring injury, rehabilitation, physiotherapist” — these are some of the words I’ve been hearing today.
I started rehabilitation with the Nigerian medical team. They’ve been trying their best and that’s comforting. It also helps that the minister of sports promised that the government would take care of our medical bills. I’m trusting God that they’ll fulfil their promise.
It’s still one step at a time to recovery. I’m supposed to eat certain types of food on my recovery journey, but as I don’t have a nutritionist, I’m on my own. I’ll Google what I can and for the rest, I can’t kill myself.
2021 started with me being unsure about everything. But I prayed earnestly and didn’t allow doubt to stop me. All through my training for the Olympics, one thing was always on my mind: I’ll meet up with the standard for the competition.
It’s the same way I’m praying and believing my recovery will be smooth.
The future is bright. If I was able to come this far without a lot of support, I know I can do more with it. I have back to back games from 2022 – 2025 and I’m positive that with the right push I can win medals and attract a lot of goodwill.
I want to change the orientation of sports in Nigeria through my craft. People need to pay attention to other sports outside of football.
If I was in a different country, I know things would be different now. I feel like I’ve gotten marketed during the Olympics but I’m holding my breath for what comes next. I have no answer.
All I can do is trust God that one way or the other, I’ll find favour.
Editor’s note: Enoch represented Nigeria at the track Olympics final, Nigeria’s first in 25 years.
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If you score up to 8 on this Olympics trivia, you’re definitely a genius.
Go on:
It’s totally okay if you’ve never heard of the Winter Olympics before, very few Nigerians have. And it’s no surprise that it’s not popular around these parts; African countries rarely participate because only a handful experience snowy weather.
But for the first time in history, 3 Nigerian women are determined to take the country to the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
Houston-based Seun Adigun, who represented Nigeria in the 2012 Olympics, is the driver aspirant for the Nigerian Women’s Bobsled team. Her teammates are Ngozi Onwumere and Akuoma Omeoga.
This is a fine and brave move, but there’s a catch. They need funds to get to the Olympics, so they’ve set up a go-fund-me for anyone who wants to donate to the cause.
The trio will need funds for practice and winter gear among other things. Visit Adigun’s go-fund-me page to learn about her story and inspiration and for donations.
We can all make history together with a little giving. Thanks to these awesome women, Nigeria will make it’s debut at the Winter Olympics.
1. ‘Put on the Generator’ 100-yard dash.
During champions league finals, I dey run pass Usain Bolt.
2. ‘Dispenser bottle’ deadlift
If you win at this, the next level is a bag of rice.
3. ‘Monkey post’ soccer.
Mourinho should sign me, let me do one-two touch with Zlatan.
4. ‘Dodging a beating’ gymnastics
When the cane comes out, next thing its maaaatriiixxx….
5. ‘Killing mosquito’ karate.
Just let mosquito show first, you’ll see original Bruce Lee.
6. ‘Spinning textbooks’ rhythmic gymnastics.
Just give me Ugo. C. Ugo, or New General Mathematics and gold medal sure pass.
7. Table Tennis
No joke here. Pass egg and bat make I smash your life.
8. ‘Towel whip’ fencing.
My school father would dip the end in water so it’ll be extra painful. He’ll make Nigeria proud.
The Olympics are well over but we were super gingered by Japan’s amazing display at the Closing Ceremony in Rio. Because of that,we are ready to do wuru-wuru to the answer, so we can qualify for Tokyo 2020.
1. Archery *a.k.a Bow and Arrow*
Think of it as point and kill! Very easy something!
2. Badminton
Just hit the ball pam pam pam! Finish!
3. Shooting
After all the play-play gun moves we’ve had since we were kids, this one is just a piece of easy cake!
4. Canoe Sprint
We can all do row, row, row your boat now!
5. Equestrian
All the people riding horses at Bar-beach can organize for this one jor.
6. Rhythmic gymnastics *women-only*
If you can jump and dance like Eyo Masquerades, this one is for you.
7. Water polo
If you don’t have a swimming pool near you, take advantage of the recent rains and practice in your nearest gutter.
8. Fencing
This one is too easy abeg. Just chook someone with a fake sword and you win!
9. Artistic gymnastics
Simple somersaulting hian!
10. Synchronised swimming
Our mammy-water people can organize some ‘shoki’ moves underwater abeg.
Let’s just drop this video here so our mammy waters can use it for practice when they go for meetings.
https://youtu.be/PvYJ7qcUeUg?t=3s
If you’re Nigerian, and you don’t live under a rock then you are most likely aware of the Nigerian government’s poor treatment of Nigerian athletes. It was actually quite surprising that our U-23 team was able to bag a bronze at the Rio Olympics. Considering that, it’s no wonder these athletes of Nigerian descent did not represent the country.
1. Kemi Adekoya
23-year-old Adekoya switched nationalities in 2014, after failing to qualify to represent Nigeria at the 2012 London Olympics. She represented Bahrain in 400m at the Rio Olympics, although she didn’t make it to the finals.
2. Femi Ogunode
Born in 1991, Femi moved to Qatar in 2009, and began competing for the oil-rich nation in 2010. He previously ran for University of Ibadan, and even qualified for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. For unknown reasons, he never actually went on to the event. He represented Qatar in both 100m and 200m races in Rio. Femi is currently Asia’s fastest man.
3. Morolake Akinosun
Born in Lagos in 1994, Akinosun represented and won gold for America in the 2015 Pan-African Games in Toronto. She also represented the country in 4x100m relay in Rio, winning another gold.
4. Ezinne Okpaerebo
Ezinne represented Norway at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, and again in the 2012 London Olympics. The 28-year-old Norwegian who was born in Nigeria and who originally hails from Imo State, is currently Norway’s fastest woman.
5. Ayomide Folorunsho
Born in Abeokuta in 1996, Folorunsho represented Italy in the World Championships in Beijing (2015), and the European Championships in Amsterdam (2016). She competed for Italy in the 400m hurdles and 400 x 100m in Rio.
6. Abubakar Abass
Born in Kano State in 1996, Abbas has won a silver medal in 400m for his adopted country Bahrain. He also represented the country in 400m race at the Rio Olympics.
7. Francis Obilekwu
This sprinter got injured representing Nigeria at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, but didn’t get any support from the government for his surgery in Canada. However, he went on to represent Portugal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens and won a silver medal for his adopted country.
8. Marlilyn Okoro
Born to Igbo parents, Okoro is a British track and field athlete. She represented Britain in the 2008 Beijing Olympics as well as at the IAAF and World Athletic Championships.
9. Edidion Efonime Odiong
This incredibly fast Nigerian sprinter represents Bahrain, and won the 200m race at the IAAF
U-20 Championships, 2016. The 19 year old was also at Rio to represent Bahrain, but unfortunately did not make it to the finals.
10. Barbara Udoezi Nwaba
Born to Igbo parents in 1987, Barbara ran track for her school: University of California, Santa Barbara. She represented America at the Rio Olympics in Shot put, javelin and 800m race.
The U-23 team finally clinched a medal in the Rio 2016 Olympics and we still can’t believe it.
The team faced Honduras in a battle for the Bronze title after loosing 2-0 to Germany in the semi-finals.
The Nigerian team dominated the game for the first 80 minutes with 3 goals from Sadiq Umar and Aminu Umar.
We seriously thought we had the bronze in the bag until Anthony Lozano and Marcelo Pereira won 2 goals for Team Honduras in the final 20 minutes.
This was us when we saw they had added 4 minutes of extra time to the game.
Mercifully, the whistle was blown and Team Nigeria WON!
Nigeria’s football bronze was the only medal the country managed to clinch in Rio. A tiny step-up from the London 2012 Summer Olympics performance where we had zero medals.
Nigeria is the first African country to have completed a sweep of Olympic medals: Atlanta ’96 Gold, Beijing ’08 Silver and now Rio ’16 Bronze.
Meanwhile, the Japanese plastic surgeon who promised the team a whooping $390,000 if they won actually came through!
And get this, this good Samaritan actually traveled down to Brazil from Tokyo, to cheer the boys during their game against Honduras.
Takasu said he was deeply moved by the Dream team’s financial challenges and extremely resilient spirit.
His actions are in sharp contrast to that of Nigerian billionaires, who were not able to assist Nigerian athletes, after the government had shown little or no support for them.
Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man promised the Super Eagles $1 million after their 2013 African Cup of Nations win, but the money has not been disbursed to date.
As Tokyo 2020 closes in, we hope there’ll be a complete overhaul of the Nigerian Sports ministries and its agencies, so real heroes like these can be properly motivated and compensated.
A Nigerian weightlifter, after finishing 8th in her group, has decided to boycott the Olympics until things change for better.
Looking at the general performance of the Nigerian team at the Olympics and how badly prepared Nigerian athletes were, it’s only enough to admit that the Nigerian sports sector needs some sort of reform.
Mariam Hassan, who was the only Nigerian weightlifter at the Olympics couldn’t be more disappointed after facing competitors who were better trained with quality equipment.
According to her, it’s useless to compete at the Olympics without winning any medal. She believes Nigerian athletes, when given access to quality training and proper sponsorship, are capable of competing with the best athletes in the world.
She says the most painful part is how the athletes are expected to ‘miraculously’ win gold medals after receiving little support from the Nigerian government.
Mariam has decided to only represent Nigeria in forthcoming Olympics on the condition that better training facilities are provided and things in the sporting sector generally change for the better. One can only imagine how these athletes feel, considering the fact that many of them made it as far as the semi finals of their categories.
This year’s Olympics should serve as a lesson for Nigeria. In the past, Nigeria was one of the top countries that placed Africa on the international sporting map. However, Rio Olympics shows how bad things have become.
We hope this event will make the Nigerian sports ministry take responsibility and change things for the better.
Usain Bolt won his 7th Olympic Gold in Rio, and he did it smiling! The 29-year-old Jamaican won the 100m Gold in Beijing ’08, and London’12, and has secured his title as the fastest man on Earth. We got the best internet reactions for you, you’re very welcome!
Look at this greatness. Soak it in. Now you understand why Usain Bolt broke the internet.
