Ex-Olympians Urge Early Camping All Africa Games

Ex-Olympians, Yusuf Ali and Tina Iheagwam, have advised the National Sports Commission (NSC) to start early camping of athletes in preparation for the All Africa Games scheduled for Maputo, Mozambique, in September.

The ex-Olympians told newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos that early camping and athletes’ welfare were imperative for Nigeria’s success at the Games.

According to them, boosting the morale of the athletes by early commencement of camping and prompt release of funds for the competition will go a long way in ensuring excellent performance.

Ali, who also won a silver medal in long jump at the 1991 All Africa Games in Egypt, noted that the NSC had yet to announce any camp site, adding that the athletes to represent Nigeria ought to be in camp by now.

“If early preparation is not put in place, there might be poor results from these athletes, they ought to be in camp now, but I am yet to hear any thing,” he said.

The ex-Olympian also commended the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) for the successful conduct of the just concluded Golden League.

He noted that most of the athletes were consistent with their time, adding that if they continued to improve, there was hope at the All Africa Games.

Ali commended the organisers and sponsors of the event for the N2 million earmarked as prize for the best athletes.

“I was impressed by the outcome of the league because each athlete that won got the prize money of N500,000 for the first time,” he said.

Similarly, Iheagwam, a gold medallist at the All Africa Games in Egypt, advised that qualified athletes should be moved to camp immediately after the National Sports Festival.

“We should stop using fire-brigade approach. As soon as the National Sports Festival is over, qualified athletes should be camped to help them correct their lapses,” she said.

Iheagwam stressed the need for a good welfare package for the athletes, warning that poor remuneration could jeopardise the country’s chances at the Games.

The ex-Olympian, however, disagreed with Ali on the success of the recently concluded Golden League.

According to her, the objective of the meet was not realised as the high standards expected from athletes were not met.

“The athletes did not really impress me, but I think they can improve before the All Africa Games through rigorous training and early camping.

Iheagwam, nonetheless, commended the AFN for the initiative, adding that the league was well organised.

The Golden League took place in Lagos, Ekiti, Delta and Cross River.