A week after the African Games in Accra, Ghana, the Sports Minister John Enoh is yet to make good his word the athletes would be paid their daily allowances when they get back home.
During the Games it took the persuasions of coaches and sports officials to placate the country’s representatives who were not given a dime. They were ready for a showdown.
Speaking on the development House of Reps committee on sports chairman,
Hon Ekene Adams, lamented that it was disappointing the country’s athletes could left empty handed after their brave outing in Accra.
Nigeria finished second at the Games behind Egypt surpassing her previous record with a total of 47 Gold, 33 silver and 40 bronze medals.
“I am very shocked that up till now some of these athletes have not gotten their money days after the conclusion of the African Games.
“For me, it is even more worrisome that these athletes did not get their money before the Easter celebration and I think we should be finding ways to motivate the athletes more so that they can even do more at the Olympic Games in Paris.
“How do we want their family members to feel knowing full well that they couldn’t enjoy the Easter celebrations I think this is the kind of thing we need to get right in terms of athletes’ welfare.”
“No Sports should be more prioritised than others and these athletes that did the country proud in Ghana deserve their money even if they couldn’t get a Presidential handshake.
“I am using this medium to further appeal to the Minister to ensure every payment due to the athletes is sorted as soon as possible because I am aware some of them were only given allowances in Nigeria before they departed for the Games.”
