Nigeria Para Powerlifters on Friday begged corporate bodies to make them their brand ambassadors in order to encourage the physically challenged as well as enhance preparations for Championships.
The powerlifters who excelled at the 2018 Commonwealth Games told aclsports.com that they have continued to make the nation proud with little or no form of appreciation.
Three times Commonwealth champion, Esther Oyema said it is unfortunate that despite her feat, she’s yet to get endorsed by any company in Nigeria.
“I’m a civil servant with Edo state government and need to be recognised by my country Nigeria. I would like to be endorsed by any private companies in Nigeria”.
“European countries as well as South America countries have all approached me with lucrative offers but I turned them down due to patriotism. Yet I can’t boast of any deal despite setting World Records in three consecutive Commonwealth Games and winning a gold at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio”, she said
Commonwealth champion, Rolland Ezuruike disclosed that it is heart breaking for champions of their calibre to still beg to get recognized by private companies in Nigeria.
“I’ve been reading on the pages of newspapers that some individuals who are into entertainment signed some deals but I’m yet so see any powerlifter put pen on paper”.
“I call on both indigenous and foreign companies based in Nigeria to hearken to the clarion call of the special athletes by endorsing us. This way, we’ll continue to put Nigeria on the map of the world”, the Rio Paralympic champion said.
The female coach of the Nigeria Para Powerlifting Team, Patience Igbiti urged corporate Nigerians to support sports by endorsing them as ambassadors.
