By Uzor Odigbo
Sequel to threats from foreign-based Nigerian athletes to boycott the All Africa Games slated for Morocco next month, the Sports Ministry has stepped-in with a promise to pay the grants.
The assurance was given during a chat with athletes’ liaison officer in US Gabriel Opuana after speaking with the ministry’s permanent secretary Olusade Adesola on Monday night.
The permanent secretary, Opuana said was not happy at the development which he blamed on the lull in effective communication with athletes.
“The ministry will pay training grants to athletes, but that would be after a meeting with ministry top officials in Abuja next week where budgets and how much they would receive would be discussed” Adesola was quoted as saying.
He urged athletes to work harder in their preparations to avoid distractions.
Recall that athletes in their group chat had earlier issued a threat to boycott the games if the ministry renege in paying their training grants for the games billed for Morocco in August.
Opuana, a former hammer thrower said it was difficult convincing athletes on the assurances given by the permanent secretary, owing to past experences, but was quick to calm them after assuring them grants would be paid.
Apparently not satisfied with the assurances, athletes further demanded that the sum of $16 000.00 dolars be paid as training grants and $2,000.00 dolars bonus for a win in each heat. They also want a substantial increase in their daily allowance.
Also note that athletes were paid $8000.00 dollars training grant at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia two years ago and vowed not to allow a repeat.
According to Opuana, perm sec. Adesola is desirous in making athletes happy as he assured them of good welfare while they represent the country at the games.
The athletes liaison officer thanked the permanent secretary for his quick intervention on the matter as most of athletes were almost on the verge of cancelling their plans for the Games following earlier decision by the ministry to skip grants.
He noted that athletes are taking the games preparations very seriously and appealed to the ministry to keep its promises and avoid any further distractions on issues that bother on funds.
