Athletics Federation of Nigeria president Solomon Ogba has revealed that Nigeria risks missing the African Athletics Championships in Durban, South Africa, if the athletes don’t travel on Saturday.
The championships is billed to start Wednesday June 22 and run through June 26, but as at yesterday only four athletes were sure of getting their visas. There isn’t any discussion yet about air tickets for the list of 26 athletes that have been pencilled down to represent Nigeria. “I have just arranged for four athletes to get visas. As for the others I have no idea yet, we are just waiting. I have been working the phone to get funds but no one seem to be ready to help.
“Right now I am appealing to Nigerians to help us out. Anyone who can give or lend us money to make the trip will be highly appreciated. “We have only Saturday left for us to make the journey, otherwise it will be too late for us,” Ogba lamented It was gathered that Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung ordered his lieutenants to source funds at all costs to get the Nigerian team to the event, but so far nothing is forth coming from the ministry and the AFN seems to have resigned to fate, unless a miracle happens this weekend. “The competitions start on Wednesday and we have athletes coming from the US. How will they cope with the difference in time and travel arrangements? “Right now the pressure is so much. I can only hope that we will make it to the Championships. “Otherwise it will not be very good for our image especially as we are going to host the next edition in 2018,” Ogba lamented.
Source: Vanguard
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