Five-time Olympian Mary Onyali-Omagbemi has reaffirmed her loyalty to Nigeria, revealing she rejected approaches from four countries during her distinguished career.

The sprint legend said athlete defections were not new and had occurred across generations. The Atlanta 1996 Olympic 200 metres bronze medallist said nationality decisions were deeply personal and often influenced by individual priorities.

“To represent Nigeria or not is a matter of interest and personal feelings. You prioritise what matters most to you. I was approached while competing for Nigeria. What is happening now is not new. It has been happening for years. It is about whether you can ditch your country. I was approached by four nations, but I could not do it,” she said.

She declined to name the countries, stressing that, despite the challenges, she could not abandon Nigeria for better treatment elsewhere.

“I will not mention them, but I could not leave my country for anybody. Yes, the treatment could be better,” she said.

Ms Onyali-Omagbemi acknowledged longstanding welfare concerns, noting that inadequate support often fuels athletes’ decisions to change allegiance.

“I know welfare could be better handled in Nigeria, but I can see hope now,” she said.

She pointed to reforms under the National Sports Commission aimed at addressing performance gaps and welfare shortcomings. She highlighted the Elite Podium Board, on which she serves, as a structured response to recurring administrative and developmental challenges.

“We are correcting abnormalities in performance and welfare that give rise to defection. However, defection lies with the individual. You know why you want to do it and whether you can withstand the repercussions,” she said.

She said rebuilding Nigeria’s dominance in athletics required patience, planning, and sustained investment over multiple Olympic cycles.

“Olympic success does not happen overnight. It requires years of planning. It takes three Olympic cycles, about 12 years, for an athlete to reach the podium. Stardom never happens by accident,” she said.

Onyali-Omagbemi added, “Other countries also want podium finishes. It takes willingness, discipline, determination and dedication. Funding is key. Sports funding is capital-intensive worldwide. If we fund adequately, we will get results,” she said.

(NAN)