Confusion as Nigerian Athletes Storm the Streets of Tokyo to Protest Their Disqualification From Olympics

Confusion as Nigerian Athletes Storm the Streets of Tokyo to Protest Their Disqualification From Olympics

Babajide Orevba
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:50 PM
  • Tokyo 2020 has taken a new turn for Nigeria as some athletes who were banned from the Olympic Games have taken to the streets
  • Team Nigeria was hit with the sad news on Thursday after AIU announced that ten Nigerian athletes are ineligible to participate
  • The affected athletes have taken to the streets of Tokyo to protest, claiming they are suffering for someone's negligence

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A number of Nigerian athletes have taken to the streets of Tokyo where the 2020 Olympics Games are underway over their disqualification from the event.

No fewer than ten Nigerians have been banned from competing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games after the Athletes Integrity Unit (AIU) declared them ineligible for doping and non-anti-doping issues, Premium Times reports.

Out of the 18 athletes suspended from participating in the Games, Team Nigeria are the most affected.

Confusion as Nigerian Athletes Storm the Streets of Tokyo to Protest Their Disqualification From Olympics
Tokyo 2020: Nigerian athlete protest. Photo: Kuti Dare Gattuso
Source: Facebook

The AIU explained that the respective national federations of countries are responsible for ensuring appropriate anti-doping measures are in place in their respective jurisdictions.

Punch are reporting that the protesting athletes carried placards with the inscription “Why should we suffer for someone else’s negligence”, “All we wanted to do was compete” and “We are not just alternates but potential medalists.”

Under the framework of Rule 15, the minimum requirements of countries are to ensure that athletes undergo proper testing to maintain the integrity of the sport.

Who should be blamed?

Urine and blood samples should have been tested within three weeks apart in the ten months leading up to a major event.

Nigeria's sprint queen and long jump athlete Blessing Okgbara blamed the Athletics Federation of Nigeria for the recent development. She claimed that athletes were neglected by the administrators.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games is gradually reaching the crucial stages and there is hope for Nigeria as Blessing Okagbare and Grace Nwokocha are through to the women’s 100m semifinals, Making of Champions reports.

Impressive Okagbare came first in Heat 6, after she sprinted past her competitors about 10m left in the race, to clock 11.05s for the win, Vanguard reports.

Asha Philip of Great Britain arrived 2nd, while Bahamas’ Tynia Gaither followed through for third position.

Also, Nigeria’s National Sports Festival double champion Grace Nwokocha put up a spectacular show when she ran a new personal best of 11.00s to reach the semis.

Authors
Babajide Orevba photo
Babajide Orevba
Babajide Orevba is a CAF accredited Nigerian journalist and HOD of the Local Desk with over 10 years of experience in media landscape.He studied NCE Political Science/Social Studies, AOCOED.
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