Nigerian star athlete Blessing Okagbare launched a stinging attack on Nigerian sports administrators on Thursday in reaction to the ban of 10 Nigerian athletes from competing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).
Recall that Favor Ofili, Chioma Onyekwere, Rosemary Chukwuma, Glory Patrick, Tima Godbless, Chidi Okezie, Ruth Usoro, Knowledge Omovoh, Yinka Ajayi, and Annette Echikunwoke were banned due to non-compliance with doping rules for Category A federations.
Okagbare who took to social media accused the officials of lacking passion and knowledge for athletics. Stating further that the officials abandoned their main responsibility, which is the welfare of the athletes to focus on issues such as securing kit deals.
READ ALSO: Ten Nigerian athletes banned from participating in Tokyo Olympics
Okagbare 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.”
”They were busy fighting over power, Exercising their pride over puma contract/ kits forgetting their major responsibility “THE ATHLETES”. It’s sad that this cycle keeps repeating its self and some people will come out to say I am arrogant for speaking my truth. It is my CAREER”, The Olympics bronze medalist concluded.
Meanwhile, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria has taken responsibility for the disqualification of 10 Nigerian athletes at the ongoing Tokyo Olympic games.
In a statement, the factional AFN President, Tonobok Okowa said, “AFN bears responsibility for any lapses that may have occurred during the process and reassures Nigerians that our athletes’ performances will not be negatively impacted.
“The president has taken proactive steps to avoid future occurrences by appointing Prof. Ken Anugweje as the head of the Medical and Anti- Doping Commission of the Federation.
“He has also put in place appropriate measures to comply with Rule 15 of the Anti-Doping Rules of World Athletics.”
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