Team Nigeria boxers demand payment of allowances after 13th African Games
Members of the Nigerian boxing team, who clinched numerous medals at the recently concluded 13th African Games in Ghana, have raised concerns over the delay in the payment of their allowances.
Despite their remarkable achievements in Ghana, where they secured 8 gold and 2 silver medals to top the boxing table, some of the boxers are yet to receive their allowances nearly two weeks after the conclusion of the Games. This delay has been described by the affected athletes as unacceptable.
The athletes expressed disappointment despite assurances from the Sports Minister, John Enoh, that there would be no delays in disbursing the allowances. The Ministry initially attributed the delay to the Easter holidays, which supposedly hindered the Central Bank from completing necessary documentation for the release of the funds. However, subsequent investigations revealed inconsistencies in this explanation.
It has been discovered that while some athletes have received their allowances, others, including National Boxing Coach Anthony Konyegwachie and three gold medalists – Adams Olaore, Patricia Mbata, and Cynthia Ogunsemilore – are still awaiting payment.
Amidst the delay, the Sports Ministry has remained silent on the matter, failing to provide a satisfactory explanation for the delay in payments.
In response to their predicament, the affected coach and athletes have issued a heartfelt appeal to the Minister of Sports Development, urging him to intervene in the matter promptly. They emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting that their families are facing financial hardship and urgently need the funds to address immediate needs and settle debts.
The athletes’ plea underscores the significance of timely and transparent disbursement of allowances to sportsmen and women who represent the nation on the international stage. As they await resolution, they remain hopeful that their concerns will be addressed, allowing them to focus on their athletic endeavors without the burden of financial uncertainty.
