THE Federal Government has fully cleared the allowances and performance bonuses of Team Nigeria athletes participating in the ongoing 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, bringing relief and renewed morale to the country’s representatives on the global stage.
The announcement was made by Dr. Kehinde Ajayi, Director of Press at the National Sports Commission (NSC), in a statement issued Tuesday shared with News Point Nigeria Sports.
The Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, personally met with Team Nigeria athletes and officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) in Tokyo, where he reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to athlete welfare.
“I recognise that there have been challenges in the past leading to misunderstandings. This is precisely why Mr. President has revamped sports administration in the country with the establishment of the NSC.
“Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko is dedicated to ensuring that all our athletes receive the utmost care,” Olopade said.
He assured the athletes that the days of delayed or unpaid allowances were over, insisting that the Tinubu administration views them as ambassadors of Nigeria’s image.
Olopade encouraged the athletes to stay focused and patriotic: “You are the mirror through which the world sees our country. Your conduct should always exemplify patriotism, even when faced with challenges.
We have no other country but Nigeria, and I take pride in stating that we are among the best people in the world despite our difficulties. You are all ambassadors of our nation, and it is vital that you carry yourselves accordingly,” he emphasised.
The NSC DG also hinted at ongoing dialogue between the athletes and AFN leadership, aimed at resolving lingering disputes and fostering a stronger relationship moving forward.
“The mandate given to us by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is to prioritise the welfare of every Nigerian representing the nation, and that is why I am here,” he stressed.
The Championships have so far produced memorable moments for Nigeria: Kayinsola Ajayi made history by becoming the first Nigerian in 18 years to qualify for the men’s 100m final, sparking excitement among fans.
Tobi Amusan, Nigeria’s world champion hurdler, powered to a silver medal in the women’s 100m hurdles, clocking an impressive 12.24 seconds in a fiercely competitive field.
These performances have boosted Nigeria’s hopes of improving on its medal haul before the event closes on September 21, 2025.
The biennial competition, regarded as the pinnacle of global athletics outside the Olympics, is taking place at the Japan National Stadium, which also hosted track events during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Tokyo last hosted the Championships in 1991, famously remembered for Mike Powell’s world record long jump of 8.95m, a mark that still stands today.