Home-Based Athletes Plan Protest Over Non-Payment of AFN Golden League Prize Money

Home-based athletes have announced plans to stage a protest over the non-payment of prize money from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Golden League, nearly three months after the competition was held.

The demonstration is expected to take place at the Yaba College of Technology sports ground during the Nigerian Track and Field Championships this weekend.

Speaking anonymously to SportsNow, one of the affected athletes confirmed that colleagues and other home-based competitors will join the protest.

‘Yes, we are protesting not only the non-payment of our prize money but also the lack of adequate competition to sharpen us ahead of the Nigerian Championships,’ the athlete said.

The athletes argue that they have been disadvantaged compared to foreign-based counterparts, particularly those competing in the NCAA, who enjoy access to quality competitions, training, and welfare packages.

Frustration has grown as more Nigerian athletes leave for opportunities in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE.

AFN President Tonobok Okowa, reacting to the reports, said he was unaware of any planned protest and promised to consult with Technical Director Gabriel Okon.

However, the Federation later issued a statement praising home-based athletes as ‘the cornerstone of the revival of the sport in Nigeria,’ even as prize payments remain outstanding.

Sources revealed that the AFN has taken steps to discourage the protest and warned athletes of possible consequences should they proceed.