The National Sports Commission has cleared the allowances and bonuses of Team Nigeria athletes participating in the ongoing 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
PUNCH Online reports that the NSC’s Director of Press, Dr. Kehinde Ajayi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian athletes during a meeting with the team and officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria in Tokyo.
“I recognise that there have been challenges in the past leading to misunderstandings. This is precisely why Mr. President has revamped sports administration in the country with the establishment of the NSC. Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko is dedicated to ensuring that all our athletes receive the utmost care,” Olopade said.
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He urged the athletes to remain patriotic in both their performance and conduct, stressing that they represent Nigeria’s image on the global stage.
“I encourage you all to remember that you are the mirror through which the world sees our country. Your conduct should always exemplify patriotism, even when faced with challenges.
“We have no other country but Nigeria, and I take pride in stating that we are among the best people in the world despite our difficulties. You are all ambassadors of our nation, and it is vital that you carry yourselves accordingly,” the DG emphasised.
Olopade also addressed outstanding issues between the athletes and the AFN, expressing optimism that the dialogue would pave the way for a stronger and more cordial relationship in the future.Related News
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“The mandate given to us by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is to prioritise the welfare of every Nigerian representing the nation, and that is why I am here,” he added.
The 2025 Championships have already produced historic moments for Nigeria.
Rising star Kayinsola Ajayi became the first Nigerian in 18 years to reach the men’s 100m final, while world champion Tobi Amusan won silver in the women’s 100m hurdles, clocking 12.24 seconds against a highly competitive field.
The World Athletics Championships is the top global competition for track and field, marathon, and race walking outside of the Olympic Games. It has been held every two years (biennially) since 1991.
The 2025 edition runs from 13 to 21 September at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo.
Tokyo was chosen in July 2022 as the host city, prevailing over bids from Nairobi, Singapore, and Chorzów. The city has hosted the event before in 1991, when Mike Powell famously broke the long jump world record there.
The 2025 staging offers a return to Tokyo’s National Stadium, which also hosted athletics during the delayed 2020 Olympics.
Olugbenga is a fine-grained journalist with over nine years of experience. He loves the smell of a good lead and has a penchant for finding out interesting good reports.
