ABSTRACT

The issue of good performance in physical activities, physical fitness as well as promotion of individual’s well-being has become a topical challenge as far as sports sector and public health is concerned. Thus, individuals should ensure that performances are enhanced for optimal physical, mental and social well-being. Sport performance or physical activity practiced on a regular basis is associated with a great amount of physical, psychological and physiological benefits. In spite of the benefits that are attached to performance outcomes, there is still increase in physical inactivity and its related-factors affecting the youths in Nigeria. Sequel to this, previous studies focused largely on athletes’ performance outcome; with little concentration on motives for participation and barriers to better athletes’ performance. This study therefore, examined perceived barriers for better performance in sports among young Nigerian athletes. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 436 respondents for the study, while a self-developed questionnaire was used to elicit information from respondents, with a reliability value of 0.73. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages. The results revealed that aim of becoming a sport journalist was the main motive influencing participation in sports among young Nigerian athletes, while poor officiating was perceived as the main barrier for better performance in sports. Efforts should therefore be made by sports associations, coaches, sports administrators and a host of other stakeholders to identify and find solutions to barriers affecting better performance in sports among young Nigerian athletes.

Keywords: Motive, Participation, Performance, Barriers and Young Athletes.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.