Why Presidency Won't Host All African Games Athletes - Minister of Sports

By Rilwan Musa Gawu -

The Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh has said that the he is not sure the Presidency will host athletes who made Nigeria proud at the just-concluded 2023 All African Games hosted by Ghana.

Nigeria, against all odds came a distance second behind Egypt with a total of 121 medals consisting of 47 gold, 33 silver and 41 bronze medals. Out of 52 countries that participated, Team Nigeria won overall best in Athletics with 11 gold, 6 silver and 4 bronze medals. Nigeria's Chinecherem Prosper Nnamdi set a new world record in Javelin event at the games, with a throw of 82.80 meters, defeating the previous world champion in the process. Team Nigeria also emerged overall best in Boxing on the continent with a total of 8 gold and two silver medals. Nigeria's Omolara Ogunmakinju put up an impressive performance in the 4×4 mixed relay.

Despite the recording breaking performances, the Presidency who hosted the Super Eagles after coming second behind the host, Cote D'Ivoire at the 2023 African Nations Cup will not host athletes whose excellent performance at the Games made Nigeria a force to reckon with in the continent.

The Minister on Tuesday during Post-All African Games Press briefing at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, said, "I am not too sure the Presidency will host the athletes. He began

He continued, "not because the President is less concerned, not because the athletes that have won these medals have done less than ... 

"These athletes have done well and have made us proud. What I can assure is that, if there's anything that needs to be done beyond the welcoming and hosting, which are: getting their allowances, a better sense of belonging, this government will get that done." He concluded.

 

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