Nigerian Athletes Lament AFN’s Failure to Pay Golden League Prize Money
Frustration is mounting among home-based Nigerian athletes as the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) continues to delay payment of stipends and prize money from the recently concluded Golden League in Benin.
One athlete voiced the collective anger in a Facebook group, asking: ‘Abeg, when is AFN planning to pay the Golden League money? Because if they don’t pay that stipend, make I no talk.’
This latest grievance follows earlier protests in Asaba, where athletes had to publicly demand the stipends promised during camping.
Despite assurances, many say they remain ‘at the receiving end of neglect’ as the federation prioritizes foreign trips over domestic competitions.
Athletes questioned why millions of naira were spent chasing World Relays tickets in Botswana when the women’s 4x400m team had already secured qualification at the Calabar leg of the MTN CHAMPS.
‘Why waste resources abroad when we could have stayed home and competed in Jos leg of the MTN CHAMPS?’ one athlete asked.
Concerns have also been raised about the size of the AFN delegation to Botswana, which included the president, secretary general, second vice president, and safeguarding officer, four non-technical officials, while, bizarrely, only one coach was in the contingent that had four relay teams of at least four per team.
Athletes, according to observers, continue to suffer from lack of competition opportunities.
With just over a month to the 24th African Senior Championships in Accra, Ghana (May 12–17), athletes fear Nigeria’s preparations are inadequate.
The situation is worsened by the unavailability of most foreign-based athletes, who will be competing in NCAA conference meets such as the SEC Championships scheduled for May 14–15.
Among those expected to miss the continental event are Ella Onojuvwevwo, Tima Godbless, Samuel Ogazi, Kanyinsola Ajayi, Israel Okon, Edidiong Udo, and Adekalu Fakorede.
The athletes insist that unless the AFN addresses its ‘misplaced priorities’ and fulfills financial obligations, Nigeria risks entering the African Championships underprepared and demoralized.
