By Martin Odiete
President of the Nigeria Athletics Federation, (AFN), Ibrahim Shehu Gusau has stated that he does not allow the criticisms that trialed the Nigeria participation at the 14th CAA U-20 Africa Championships in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) to affect him saying his happiness was that Nigeria was able to participate at the championship despite the Federal Government not releasing a dime to them.
In a chart with www.theajasanews.com, Gusau noted that he was pained by the barrage of criticism coming from people who should understand revealing the challenges they faced in other that Nigeria participate at the championship in Abidjan despite the paucity of funds.
He stressed that even with the situation of the shortage of funds they still were able to present the largest contingent at the championship. He also revealed efforts they put in ahead of the championship, camping over two hundred Athletes and officials at the Ijebu Ode camp, taking care of their feeding and medicals.
“Apart from feeding that large number of Athletes for two weeks, we also had a two day All comers at the same time. Well, I don’t bother myself with all those criticisms because I am doing this for the Athletes and the country.
“Some of the critics came to the Ijebu Ode camp. When they heard there was no money and the team is going by road they ran away. Of course I won’t buy ticket for them. With which money? There are three board members in Abidjan, myself, Ogba and the Technical Director,” he said
The AFN president however expressed satisfaction with the performances of the Nigeria Athletes despite the so called financial challenges saying that Nigeria is still dragging the top position with South Africa and Kenya.
“Our Athletes have been putting up a very good show here. So far we have 12 golds, 3 silvers and 5 bronze, and we still have other events that we are sure to win more medals from,” he said
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