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The Nigerian sports ministry’s relationship with their athletes is in disarray.
The athletes have refused their training allowance offer that is being proposed. The amount has dropped nearly in half from their previous African championships that took place in Congo.
Athletes currently competing in the African Games in Rabat have rejected a $100 daily allowance from the Nigerian Government’s Ministry of Sports. $100 USD is 82 pounds or 90 euros. They are demanding no less than $150USD.
Apparently, in Judo, the kits that were sent are of low quality. One of the athletes had to borrow a kit from a competitor.
Sprinter, Blessing Okagbare, who earned a 4 x 100m gold medal from the 2015 African Games protested over twitter when her Ministry announced her as nominated to the team. She asked, “Who does this help?”
The athlete-led organisation Global Athlete wrote a letter backing Okagbare after she had spoken up before the Rabat championships start.
“Athletes’ voices will change the future of sport for the better – now is the time to join the growing band of athletes all over the world by standing tall and being vocal for positive change and meaningful engagement!”
SHOESTRINGS: Some of the top Kenyan athletes are foregoing the African championships that start on Aug. 26 to focus on the IAAF champs in late Sept. They feel that there is enough talent emerging below to field competitive teams.
The question of why the African Championships would take place one month before the world championships needs to be asked. For athletes to fully peak on time, they would need to compete in the African Championships under-sharpened or alternatively, somehow magically re-peak in September.
“Kenya has enough talent, young energetic athletes bubbling with confidence, eager to showcase their talent,” Beatrice Chepkoech said.
“Let them carry the flag in Morocco.”
