There are indications that the Nigeria National Wrestling Team may boycott the 2018 Commonwealth Games in April. This can be traced to the non-payment of accumulated allowances for various African and International Wrestling Championships.
In a statement obtained by aclsports.com reporter, Amas Daniel (male captain) and Blessing Oborududu (female captain) on behalf of their team mates claimed they are being treated as second class citizens in the country.
“We wish to inform you that we are boycotting the commonwealth camp due to non-payment of our allowances as promised.
“…the Afro basketball were received by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari. It is no news that the home based Eagles who won silver in Africa are being scheduled to see the President on the 28th of this month. What news”.
We dominated Africa in 2017 in Morocco; we won a silver medal at the World Championship in France and recently dominated Africa again in Port Harcourt, Rivers state. As we speak, we are yet to be paid our allowances for the African Championships”.
It appears that we are being treated as second-class citizens in Nigeria. Our good performances are yet to be appreciated. These are the reasons why we have taken this decision.
The Wrestlers pleaded with the President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali not to be angered by their decision.
Aclsports.com gathered that the wrestlers met with the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports but the meeting ended in a deadlock.
Reacting after the meeting held last night, World Wrestling Silver medalist, Odunayo Adekuoroye said; “I feel sad tonight. I felt the issue of wrestlers’ welfare would be resolved tonight. Unfortunately, it is looking more and more likely that I and my fellow team mates may not participate at the Commonwealth Games”.
Contacting the President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali said he’s short of words as the wrestlers had taken their stands through their representatives.
He revealed that the wrestlers gave the ministry till the first week of March before they could take more drastic stance.
Igali said he hopes the wrestlers are attended to because they stand a chances of winning medals for the country at the Commonwealth Games
