Nigerian athletes staged a protest in Tokyo after 10 of them were disqualified from taking part in the track and field events of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
The protesting athletes carried placards with the inscription “Why should we suffer for someone else’s negligence”, “All we wanted to do was compete” and “We are not just alternates but potential medalists.”
WITHIN NIGERIA had reported that the Athletics Integrity Unit disqualified Ruth Usoro, Favour Ofili and eight other athletes after they failed to conduct the mandatory three out-of-competition tests before the Olympics.
Meanwhile, star Nigerian athlete, Blessing Okagbare had on Thursday launched a stinging attack on Nigerian sports administrators in reaction to the ban of the 10 Nigerian athletes from competing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
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.
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.
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