Commonwealth Games: Sports Ministry, AFN Assure Okparaebo, Alaba

Commonwealth Games: Sports Ministry, AFN Assure Okparaebo, Alaba

Niyi Busari

The Ministry of Sports and Youth Development and Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) have assured that Nigeria sprint duo of Ezinne Okparaebo and Akintola Alaba will participate at the Commonwealth Games billed for Birmingham, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

On Wednesday both Athletes called out the AFN and Sports Ministry as been negligent and bias on their social media handles on Instagram, following their exclusion from the World Athletics Championships which will start July 15 in Eugene, Oregon, USA, despite winning the trials held in Benin, Edo State. 

Our reliable source in the Ministry of Sports expressed regrets regarding the development but stressed that there wasn't any need for such allegations as both Okparaebo and Alaba have been listed for the Commonwealth Games.

"Both athletes said they have passed two out of the three tests but Nigerians must know that there has been a standing directive from the Minister since after the Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, that all Nigeria athletes must meet the three OCT (Out of Competition Test) within stipulated time or will not represent the country. 

"Since after Olympics, Nigeria cant take any chances again as the Blessing Okagabare case was a blow below the belt as it affected the team. We got in by chance because France failed to come.

"World Championships is only for ranking. Not a qualifier for Commonwealth Games. Okparaebo and Alaba will compete Birmingham because the CWG does not require three OCTs.

"AFN has its role, the Ministry has its own role too, there's nothing like interference in our day to day activities as both have the experts they need."

Recall on Monday, President of the AFN, Chief Tonobok Okowa while speaking ahead of the World Athletics Championship in Eugene Oregon, United States, gave the assurance that the body will continue to provide the needed platforms for Nigerian athletes to attain the heights in their careers, stressing that Nigeria was blessed with abundant talents.