‘All We Wanted Was to Compete’: Banned Nigerian Athletes Protest in Tokyo

Nigerian athletes in Tokyo – who were ruled ineligible to compete at the Olympics in Japan- have held a protest in the country.

They were banned from taking part in the track and field competition which begins on Friday.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) had on Wednesday ruled that a total of 20 competitors, including 10 from Nigeria, would be unable to take part in the competition because of non-compliance with out-of-competition drug testing requirements in the run-up to the games.

The athletes held placards criticising Nigerian officials, with one saying: “why should we suffer because of someone else’s negligence?”, “We are not just alternates but potential medalists,” and “All we wanted to do was compete.”

Observers have accused the Nigerian Ministry of Sports and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria of negligence and frustrating the dreams of the athletes.

Follow us on:

AriseNews

Recent Posts

Hong Kong Court Set to Sentence 45 Democratic Campaigners Amid Ongoing National Security Crackdown

A Hong Kong court is set to sentence 45 pro-democracy campaigners in a landmark national…

4 mins ago

International Smuggling Ring Trial Begins in Minnesota After Tragic Border Deaths

Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel and Steve Shand are facing charges related to a human smuggling operation…

6 mins ago

91.8% Of Gabonese Voters Approve New Constitution Amid Democratic Transition Plans

Gabon has approved a new constitution, marking progress toward democratic rule despite concerns over the…

10 mins ago

Philippines And US To Sign Military Intelligence-Sharing Agreement

The Philippines and US plan to deepen their defense ties with a military intelligence-sharing pact…

13 mins ago

Free Zone Investments Generated Over $300bn, N650bn Into Government Coffers, NEZA Communique Reports

EInvestments in Nigeria’s Free Trade Zone have generated N650 billion into government accounts, created 600,000…

15 mins ago

Governor Mbah Congratulates Chidimma Adetshina on Miss Universe Runner-Up Achievement

Governor Mbah has celebrated Enugu state’s brand ambassador Chidimma Adetshina for securing Miss Universe runner-up…

19 mins ago