For a country that’s home to amazing athletes like Blessing Okagbare and Seye Ogunlewe, it’s expected that these sportsmen are properly rewarded for their efforts.
Unfortunately, Nigerian athletes hardly enjoy any benefits and this video couldn’t be more saddening.
Although the Nigerian team qualified for the Summer Olympics, it was reported that the athletes were asked to buy their tickets to the trip themselves.
Some of them had to source for funds via their social media pages.
Outraged by this development, Nigerians tweeted their disappointment in the sports ministry.
It’s unfortunate that after training for years and making the team, they’re still being asked to pay for their tickets.
They shouldn’t be just sourcing for tickets 13 days to the Olympics.
Maybe Nigerian brands should pay more attention to these athletes during these times.
Perhaps, the people running with Nigeria’s money should kuku run for Nigeria.
The Nigerian government ought to invest in things that are more profitable to the country.
Meanwhile, in other countries….
It’s even more disappointing that the fastest man in Asia as at 2016 is Nigerian-born, Femi Ogunode.
For a country with a high unemployment rate, the sports sector should at least be adequately funded so that the Nigerian youth going into sports can be empowered.
Following the reaction from Nigerians on social media, the sports minister, Solomon Dalung, addressed the issue claiming the sports ministry had nothing to do with the email which was obviously signed by a deputy director in the ministry.
He also added that the athletes won’t be paying for their tickets and he will ensure their safe trip the Games Village in Rio.
UPDATE on #Rio2016: New letter makes it clear that FG will issue tickets to enable all athletes travel to and from Rio—as is expected.
— We ASOcial (@DigiCommsNG) July 23, 2016
