African Games: House Committee on Sports Chairman frowns at delay in payment of ‘Team Nigeria’ allowances

The Chairman House Committee on Sports, Honourable Ekene Adams, has expressed disappointment over the delay in the payment of allowances of ‘Team Nigeria’ athletes at the recently concluded African Games in Ghana.

Nigeria finished second at the Games behind Egypt surpassing her previous record with a total of 47 Gold, 33 silver and 40 bronze medals.

According to the lawmaker representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, it is very sad that many of these athletes who made us proud in Ghana have not been paid their allowances and bonuses.

“I am very shocked that up till now some of these athletes have not gotten their money days after the conclusion of the African Games.

“For me, it is even more worrisome that these athletes did not get their money before the Easter celebration and I think we should be finding ways to motivate the athletes more so that they can even do more at the Olympic Games in Paris.

“How do we want their family members to feel knowing fully well that they couldn’t enjoy the Easter celebrations I think this is the kind of thing we need to get right in terms of athletes’ welfare.”

Honourable Ekene who is also a seasoned sports administrator however pleaded with the Ministry of Sports Development to swiftly do the needful so that the delay in the athlete’s payment will not linger until the upcoming Sallah break.

He further said; “No sports should be more prioritized than others and these athletes that did the country proud in Ghana deserve their money even if they couldn’t get a Presidential handshake.

“I am using this medium to further appeal to the Minister to ensure every payment due to the athletes is sorted out as soon as possible because I am aware some of them were only given allowances in Nigeria before they departed for the Games.