Paralympics 2016: Uncertainty surrounds Nigeria’s participation

Members of the Nigerian Paralympic team to the Rio 2016 Games are in the dark over their departure date for the Games billed for September 7-18, and it complicates matters for the athletes who have been crying over unpaid camping allowances. The Paralympic Games for Nigeria have always been a saving grace, for a country unable to win medals at the main Olympics. However, it seems in 2016 the camp is full of sulking athletes and it remains to be seen if they can match their 2012 feat, where they won six gold, five silver and one bronze. “I don’t have any idea when we are leaving for Rio,” said a member of the Nigeria Paralympic Committee yesterday in Abuja. “We haven’t heard anything concerning fund from the sports ministry, but we have tentatively fixed  our departure for August 31. We are just waiting to see if that will be possible,” added the official. It was reported on Tuesday that the athletes, since they began camping in Abuja, have not received any allowance and have groaned about the poor diet they were offered. However, NPC president and former Paralympian, Monday Emoghavwe assured that Nigeria will still do well despite the slow moving nature of preparations. “This present Paralympics preparation is full of challenges as a result of Nigeria’s economic meltdown, but we will try our best to do the country proud. We have never disappointed before and we will not disappoint in Brazil’’.