US-based Nigerian track and field star, Blessing Okagbare has flayed the Nigerian Sports Ministry and Atheletics Federation Of Nigeria (AFN) for the colossal damage done to Nigeria’s sport image and the repeated flaws in sports administration in the country.
The New Diplomat had reported that 10 Nigerian athletes were banned from the Tokyo Olympics for not doing mandatory doping tests before the Olympics.
A statement issued by the Athletics Integrity Unit, an independent body created by World Athletics that manages all integrity issues – both doping and non-doping, indicated that 20 athletes were affected by the disqualification. 50% of those affected are said to be Nigerians.
Reacting, Okagbare had said: “I have said it before and I will say it again, If you do not know the sport, not passionate about it/Us (the athletes), then you have no business there as an administrator.
“The sport system in Nigeria is so flaw and we athletes, are always at the receiving end of the damages…”
Despite her bitterness about the development, the Sapele-born Olympic long jump medalist in her Twitter expressed appreciation to God and family for their support as she prepares to start action on Friday 30th July in Tokyo Olympics.
“It starts tomorrow and I can’t thank God enough for how far He ‘Abba’ has brought me in this season.
“Much love to my family and fans for the love and support.” She said.
While the World Championship medalist fumed at AFN dirty politics, greed and the neglect of athletes and sports development in the country, Mr Daniel Igali, Olympic medalist and sports administrator pleads for caution on blame game following the AIU ban on 10 Nigerians.
“It is not in my place to say whether it is administrator to blame or athletes. Am a bit puzzled that this is happening. If athletes are supposed to have 3 out of competition test before the Olympics and the timeline was given.
“It’s either the Secretary did no report it to the President on time or maybe because the federation was having an issue. There must have been lapses somewhere for this to happen which is very grave because at the Olympics we are really expecting a lot from the athletics.
“I just hope that the athletes who are missing out are not the ones we’re really really hoping on.” Igali said.
Igali who had helped Nigerian wrestling with facilities including a mat at last national sports festival, Edo 2020, wished the disqualified athletes best of luck as he hopes they qualify for subsequent Olympics.
