Rabat 2019: President Buhari Approves Athletes, Officials Allowances

Rabat 2019: President Buhari Approves Athletes, Officials Allowances

By Niyi Busari

President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR has approved funds to pay allowances of athletes and officials as well as bonuses due to them before, during and after the event at the 2019 All African Games, BSNSports.com.ng can report.

This was made known on Wednesday in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Olusade Adesola during the press briefing on Team Nigeria's preparation and participation in the 12th All African Games. Adesola assured Nigerians that unlike in the past, the athletes and officials will not be owed as all funds needed have been made available by the federal government of Nigeria.

"There has been concern raised in some quarters, particularly the foreign based athletes on payment of allowances. I want to reassure that His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR approved funds to pay allowances of athletes and officials while at the games village, off-shore training grants to desirable athletes, return tickets for foreign athletes and winning bonuses." Adesola told journalists.

He added that the payment will be made at the Games village and upfront.

However, the athletes in some sports will have to use the All African Games as their qualification for the 2020 Rio Olympics.

"The athletes are however reminded on the subsisting regulation established in 2015 that 'No Brazaville, No Rio' meaning 'No representation at All African Games, No participation in the Olympics.' The imperative of the axiom derives from the fact that the African Games serves as qualified for some sporting events of the Olympics."

The 562 Nigeria continents will leave for Morocco on a chartered flight on the 16th August, 2019 as Team Nigeria will participate in 22 sports.