Sports
Nigeria’s Athletes In Oregon Grumble Over Allowances
There are strong indications that all is not well in Nigeria’s camp at the ongoing World Athletics Championships, holding in Eugene, United States, as athletes are said to be grumbling over allowances.
The report of alleged disquiet in the team’s camp in Oregon came on Monday, just as sources close to the Nigeria’s U-20 camp hinted that the country might not participate in this year’s World U-20 Athletics Championships billed for Cali, Colombia, due to scarcity of fund. The competition in Colombia holds from August 2 to 6.
Some of the athletes, who spoke with Tidesports source shortly before leaving the camp for morning session of the competition, on Monday, alleged that their morale was becoming low due to non-payment of allowances.
“It is not good for us to be competing here, and nobody is talking about payment of camp allowances. We are maintaining our cool for now, but for how long? Somebody should drum it into the ear of the sports minister that we need our camp allowances,” one of the athletes said.
Another athlete said: “We need motivation at this stage of the championship. I asked questions about our allowances, and no one is giving me any concrete answer. It is not the best way to go.”
A source close to the AFN hinted, yesterday, that the Secretary, Adeniyi Beyioku, is expected to travel to Oregon in a few days time to ‘sort things’ out.
Efforts to speak with Beyioku were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, there is apprehension in the camp of the U-20 team that Nigeria might not travel to Cali, Colombia for the World U20 Championships in August due to lack of fund.
At the last edition of the U20 championship held in Nairobi, Kenya, Nigeria’s track and field stars re-wrote history by finishing third on the medals table with an unprecedented haul of four gold and three bronze medals.
The four gold medals won in Nairobi, Kenya, was the highest Nigeria has achieved, two more than the country has ever won in any edition of the U20 championships.
The source stated that unless the Federal Government releases funds, Nigeria might stay away from the championship.
The nation’s U20 athletes have been in camp in Asaba, Delta State for 10 days.
The Federal Government has commended Ogun State for its continuous commitment to hosting a world-class National Sports Festival as the event draws closer.
The Organizing Committee (LOC) with the firm support of the NSC officially unveiled Premium Trust Bank as the lead sponsor of the festival on Wednesday in Abeokuta, in record breaking deal.
Speaking on this feat, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, lauded Ogun State’s dedication to ensuring a seamless and memorable festival, emphasizing the importance of corporate and private sector support in shaping the future of Nigerian sports in line with vision of the NSC.
“The unveiling of Premium Trust Bank as the lead sponsor for the 2024 National Sports Festival is a testament to the rising confidence of the private sector in Nigerian sports. Ogun State has demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment, and this partnership is a step toward elevating the festival to execeptional standards,” Dikko said.
He further underscored the economic and social benefits of the festival, noting its potential to boost tourism, generate employment, and stimulate the local economy.
“Beyond the thrill of competition, the Gateway Games 2024 will drive economic growth, create opportunities for young athletes, and showcase Ogun State as a hub for sports excellence as well as its economic potentials. The National Sports Commission stands fully behind this vision and will provide every necessary support to ensure its success and the legacy of the hosting the games to the state is enduring,” he added.
“This festival is more than just a sporting event, it is a celebration of talent, resilience, and the boundless potential of Nigerian sports. With Ogun State’s level of preparation and the commitment of all stakeholders, I have no doubt that the Gateway Games 2024 will be the most remarkable edition yet,” Dikko stated.
The NSC will indeed continue to collaborate with the hosting state to provides all the enablers to ensure a successful games.
The National Sports Festival ( often tagged the Nigerian Olympics ) is owned by the National Sports Commission, and it is expected to feature over 20,000 participants across the 36 states plus the FCT, with the introduction of Invited Junior Athletes ( IJA ) as the 38th State.
The competition will run from the 16th of May to the 30th of May 2025.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko has commended the successful hosting of the inaugural National School Board Games, describing it as a significant step in the advancement of school sports in Nigeria.
The event, which featured chess in its pilot phase, was organized by the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) in collaboration with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Nigeria Chess Federation. With over 300 students from all six geopolitical zones competing in the U-9, U-12, U-15, and U-18 categories, the tournament provided a platform for young athletes to develop critical thinking, discipline, and competitive excellence.
Mallam Dikko, was represented at the event by Mr. Lanre Ogunjobi (Technical Assistant, Strategy & Research) and Barrister Uche George Egbe (Technical Assistant,Legal and Compliance) as well as Mrs Ada Nwachukwu, Zonal Head of the NSC Lagos office
Also in attendance were the Lagos State Commissioner of Education, Mr. Jumiu Alli-Balogun, and the Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Prince Adeyinka Adewole, both of whom expressed strong support for the initiative.
Delivering the Chairman’s message, Mr. Ogunjobi reiterated the NSC’s commitment to school sports development as a key pillar of Nigeria’s overall sports growth strategy.
His words, “The National Sports Commission remains dedicated to fostering both intellectual and physical sports as part of our broader vision for national sports development. The successful hosting of the inaugural National School Board Games is a testament to our resolve to ensure that every aspect of sports receives the attention and investment required for sustained growth.”
Enyimba International’s head coach, Stanley Eguma, has pointed to a red card issued to one of his players as the primary reason for their 1-0 loss to Bendel Insurance, .
The match, which took place in Benin on Wednesday, saw Enyimba lose after Innocent Gabriel was sent off for a reckless challenge on Kayode Oke of Bendel Insurance.
Eguma acknowledged that both teams played well but noted that being a man down significantly impacted his team’s performance.
”It was a good game, but being a man down made things difficult for us,” he said.
Enyimba will look to bounce back when they face Rivers United this weekend.
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