‘Shooters’ Non-Participation, Barrier To Global Relevance’ Commonwealth Games

The Nigeria shooting federation says the last minute conclusion that shooters will not participate in the 2018 Commonwealth Games will strain the country’s chances to become shooting sport leader in the nearest future.
President, Nigerian Shooting Federation (NSF), Lonsdale Adeoye, who made the assertion yesterday in Abuja, said the federation never expected that its athletes would be excluded at the tournament.
“After satisfying all criteria beforehand and making concerted efforts to participate in the Commonwealth Games, enough efforts weren’t put in to save the day.
“The international high table we clamoured for is in danger. Efforts of the federation have become wasted and plunged it into indebtedness to its partners.
“NSF is obligated to refund their (partners) financial assistance for our inability to participate in the Games.
“The NSF can only tell the country that it has sacrificed a lot and owing its partners with a zero purse.
“To decamp some of our shooters and coaches is a big challenge as there is no fund to push ahead,’’ he said in a statement.
Adeoye said the NSF was the fastest growing and known federation in Nigeria and the globe with over 35 gold medals for grab.
He expressed the belief that the federation should be included among the 10 other national sports federations to heighten Nigeria’s medals hope at the Games.