By Adebayo Williams
Nigeria’s representative at the Rio 2016 Olympics men’s football event, Dream Team VI, have said that the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, never visited them while they were camping at Atlanta, US. The team was reacting to reports that Dalung had asked Mikel Obi to take charge of the team at the Olympics. They however said they had accepted his apology for their delay in arriving the Olympics.
“Where did he visit us? We never saw him while we were in Atlanta. I think they just issued a press release that he came to see us, we never saw,” one of them said.
They also said he had ensured their 11 days allowance for the camp was paid. The money amounted to $1650, $150 each day.
According to a press statement from the minister’s office, the minister said the upfront payment was to ensure that the players are focused and well motivated as he promised that all entitlements will be be given to all athletes even before the Games end.
“All your camp allowances have been budgeted for. There will be no story-telling during these Games. You will get all your allowances and entitlements as we don’t want any distractions. We want you to remain focused .
“You have established that you’re great men and determined to conquer, despite all odds. There can’t be any other sacrifice more than this,” the press statement quoted Dalung as saying.
