The National Sports Commission (NSC) has cleared the allowances and bonuses of Team Nigeria athletes competing at the ongoing 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
The NSC’s Director of Press, Dr. Kehinde Ajayi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, according to “PUNCH Online”.
Ajayi noted that 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 (AFN) 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.
He urged the athletes to remain patriotic in both their performance and conduct, stressing that they carry the image of the country 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 lingering issues between the athletes and the AFN, expressing optimism that the ongoing dialogue would foster a stronger and more cordial relationship going forward.
“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 claimed silver in the women’s 100m hurdles, clocking 12.24 seconds in a fiercely competitive field.
The World Athletics Championships is the premier global competition for track and field, marathon, and race walking outside of the Olympic Games. It has been held every two years since 1991.
The 2025 edition runs from 13 to 21 September at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo, which also hosted athletics during the delayed 2020 Olympics. Tokyo, which previously staged the event in 1991, was selected as the 2025 host in July 2022 ahead of bids from Nairobi, Singapore, and Chorzów.
