Retired and active sportsmen and women, including Olympic medalists, say they’ve been poorly treated despite winning laurels and bringing glory to the country.
As Nigeria celebrates her 60th Independence anniversary today, some of the athletes, who spoke to The PUNCH, stated in clear terms that the country was not worth dying for.
Chioma Ajunwa, Nigeria’s first and only individual Olympic gold medallist revealed that she would have been a wretch if she was not an employee of the Nigerian Police Force.
“Nigeria has never been fair to her athletes,” Ajunwa told The PUNCH.
“I Thank God that I have a job, those who don’t have are leaving from hand to mouth. When you get injured, you are deserted. Nigeria does not care for her athletes well. That’s why our potential athletes represent other countries like Bahrain.
“They promised us houses and many other things but we are yet to get them. All these kind of setbacks will always discourage young athletes from giving their best.” (Punch)