NSF: Athletes stage walk out as Obaseki announces meagre cash reward for gold medallists, others

Edo State athletes who won medals at the just-concluded National Sports Festival (NSF), staged a walk-out on Friday night at the grand reception party organised for Team Edo by the state government.

An air of euphoria which filled the tennis court of the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium- venue of the reception ceremony soon faded away when Governor Godwin Obaseki announced a seemingly unsatisfactory cash reward for the athletes. 

Obaseki had announced a reward of N250,000 for each athletes who won gold for the state during the tournament while silver and bronze medalists would get the sum of N150,000 and N100,000 respectively.

He (Obaseki) had also said: “Those of you who did not win medal I have a gift for you”.

Apparently unsatisfied with the governor’s pledge, some of the athletes grudgingly left the venue- abandoning the lavish entertainment.

Team Delta toped the medals table after winning 158 gold, 116 silver, and 110 bronze, while Team Edo, the host, came second with 129 gold, 104 silver and 108 bronze in the tournament tagged: “Edo 2020”.

Speaking further at the reception, the governor urged Nigerian youths not to be discouraged following the many challenges facing the nation but rather “have hope for a brighter future for the nation”. 

He commended Team Edo and their coaches for coming out second, adding that the state contingents has made the state proud as they won their medals without doping.

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