The National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed the payment of allowances and bonuses for Team Nigeria athletes competing at the ongoing 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the NSC’s Director of Press, Dr. Kehinde Ajayi, who relayed the assurances of the commission’s Director General, Bukola Olopade.
Speaking at a meeting with Nigerian athletes and officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) in Tokyo, Olopade stressed that the Federal Government remains fully committed to the welfare of sportsmen and women representing the country.
“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.
The DG urged the athletes to maintain discipline and patriotism, noting that they serve as Nigeria’s image-bearers before the world.
“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,” he added.
Olopade also reassured the athletes that lingering issues with the AFN were being addressed, with hopes for a stronger and more cooperative relationship in the near future.
“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 emphasised.
So far, the Tokyo Championships have been eventful for Nigeria. Rising sprinter Kayinsola Ajayi became the first Nigerian in 18 years to reach the men’s 100m final, while reigning world champion Tobi Amusan secured silver in the women’s 100m hurdles with a time of 12.24 seconds.
The 2025 World Athletics Championships, regarded as the pinnacle of global track and field outside the Olympics, run from September 13 to 21 at Tokyo’s National Stadium. The Japanese capital last hosted the event in 1991, when Mike Powell famously set a long jump world record that still stands today.
The post NSC Clears Allowances For Team Nigeria Athletes At 2025 World Athletics Championships appeared first on Naija News.
