Harrison Chinedu, Nigeria’s footballer with a Guinness Book of World Record, says he has yet to be rewarded by the government and corporate bodies for attaining the feat.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports Chinedu attained the record having walked the farthest distance with a football on his head on March 6 this year.
NAN reports that Chinedu walked 48.04km in six hours, 15 minutes to beat the record formerly held by Indian soldier, Naib Singh, who walked 45.64km in his country in 2014.
The feat has attracted to him global attention and suitors who are already falling heads over heels to identify with him.
Chinedu told NAN on Wednesday in Lagos that he recently received the certificate from the said organisation with no financial benefits.
According to him, athletes in this part of the world are barely recognised when they break records or set records for others to attempt.
He said: “There is no reason why Nigerian athletes should not be celebrated like athletes from other climes and revered when they accomplish great results.
“The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports and its federations should do more to ensure we celebrate our own people.
“This is a major reason why we lose many athletes who prefer to naturalise in countries that reward their efforts.”
Chinedu, who is a striker in Beuket Rubber FC in Cambodia, said it was high time the government started rewarding athletes to encourage them to give their best to win medals for the country.
He said: “The Federal Government through the Minister of Youth and Sports only recognised me and presented me to the nation but I expected more, especially now that we have athletes preparing for the Olympics.
“Rewarding me will spur athletes who are currently preparing for the Olympics to put in more efforts since they know that excellence attracts reward.”
NAN.
Trending
- Alleged fraud: EFCC withdraws operatives from Yahaya Bello’s house
- Police recover day-old baby abandoned on Lagos road
- Two friends docked for allegedly flogging woman in Ibadan
- Abuja court gives EFCC go-ahead to arrest ex-Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello
- Bello Vs EFCC: Confusion as court of coordinate jurisdiction flouts restraining order
- Alleged N150m bribery: Court admits documents in evidence against oil magnate, Akindele
- South-East Development Commission Assent: President Tinubu’s legacy as a progressive unifier, Eze Frank Osita-Chuks
- Atiku expresses sadness over fire outbreak at Yola Market, calls for support