NIGERIAN ATHLETES BEG FOR SUPPORT AHEAD OF RIO OLYMPICS

Some athletes who are to represent Nigeria in track and field events at the Olympics have been begging for financial support.

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  Nigerian athletes begging for funds despite promises from the Federal Government   NAN 
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  Buhari last week assured athletes that funds would be available before the Games  NAN 
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Following failure of the Federal Government of Nigeria to financially back Team Nigeria for 2016 Olympic Games, the abandoned athletes have taken to social media to solicit for funds.

President Muhammadu Buhari met with athletes last week at the Old Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja and assured them that he would make sure he releases funds early enough ahead of the Olympics. 

Buhari last week assured athletes that funds would be available before the Games (NAN)

“Let me equally assure you that the Federal Government is fully committed to our delegation’s successful participation in the Rio Olympic Games and will ensure that funds budgeted for the Games are released without further delay,” the President is quoted to say by ThisDay Newspapers.

Despite the assurance from the President, the Sports Ministry have failed to support the athletes. The athletes in the week of July 17-23 received e-mails from the Sports Ministry informing them to pay for flight tickets to Brazil themselves.

Email from Nigeria's Sports Ministry (Colin Udoh)  This matter dey very shocking to me, which level be this one again now? Athletes wey one go represent their country for the biggest sports gathering in the world (Olympics) go dey beg for funds again. Wetin the minister for sports dey do? I tire finally!  #dontakeitP