Reactions have trailed the Federal Government’s decision to host some outstanding athletes that did the country proud in the year 2015, without the medalists who participated at the 11th All Africa Games in Congo and Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa.
A source in the Presidency, who dropped the hint, said winners of the first U17 World championship in China, Eaglets Class of 2015 who won a fifth U17 World Cup in November as well as the country’s Olympic team alone will be hosted.
The Presidential reception comes up on January 21, 2015.
It will exclude the AAG contingents alongside Commonwealth youth games medalists.
Some of the athletes who spoke on the neglect, which they described as “cheating” and “bias” on the part of the Federal Government, noted that such decision would further reduce the commitment to represent the country at subsequent national, international and global events.
They however advised the National Sport Commission, the Ministry of Youth and Sports as well as the advisory committee on sports to President Muhammadu Buhari to rescind the decision and do the needful.
The best Judo referee in Africa, Prof. Alexander De-Souza, said the All Africa Games contingent needs to be celebrated, adding that despite all odds, Nigeria came second overall at the All Africa Games.
De-Souza added that the rate at which other sports are going in the nation, no athlete will be willing to win a medal.
Also speaking, the Assistant National Judo Coach, Sulieman Musa, said it is a shame that athletes who sacrificed their time and career could be treated in such manner.
Musa said the Federal Government should remember that the Olympics is around the corner and should not sideline the contingents who would bring glory to the country come August in Rio, Brazil.
Some athletes (names withheld) voiced that if come January 21, 2016 none of them is hosted, then the footballers should go and represent Nigeria in the remaining sports.
They added that they have also laboured for the country and they should be rewarded alongside the U-17 teams.
It will be recalled that the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, on January 9 confirmed that the President would host athletes that won different medals for the nation in various international sporting tournaments in 2015.
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