AFN sets record straight on welfare of Commonwealth Games camping 

AFN sets record straight on welfare of Commonwealth Games camping 

The Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has reacted to reports it sent out the athletes after the camping exercise in Asaba, Delta State without paying their allowances and other benefits, www.sportsunlimited.ng reports.

In a statement signed by Israel Inwang, Secretary General AFN, the federation said all funding for the Asaba camping exercise was formally approved and disbursed by the National Sports Commission (NSC) directly through the AFN Treasurer, in strict compliance with established financial procedures.

The federation restated its committed to transparency, athlete welfare, and the integrity of Nigerian athletics. 

"While we respect the right of all stakeholders to raise concerns, it is equally important that the public receives accurate, verified information and we are pleased to provide that clarity.

"The AFN reaffirms that there was no diversion, misuse, or misappropriation of funds. Every financial decision throughout the camp was made collectively by duly authorised Federation officials, with the welfare of athletes as the primary consideration," the statement clarified.

It added that the AFN Treasurer's records and disbursement trail remain fully available to relevant oversight bodies upon request.

On the accommodation, training facilities, and athlete welfare, the scribe insisted that athletes and officials at the Asaba camp were housed in a well-rated hotel facility, one of the most suitable venues available in the city for a delegation of this size and timeline. 

"The accommodation was secured through institutional negotiation, allowing the Federation to maximise athlete comfort within the approved budget.

"Prior to the commencement of camp, a formal joint inspection of both the accommodation and training facilities was conducted by the AFN President, Secretary General, Technical Director, and Athletes' Representative. 

"All facilities were approved as fit for purpose before a single athlete was checked in".

Reacting to reports of inadequate feeding, the AFN secretary said: "Feeding arrangements were comprehensively provided and met the nutritional requirements of a competitive athletics camp. In a demonstration of personal commitment to athlete welfare, the AFN President made additional provisions to ensure no athlete experienced any shortfall during the camp period. This speaks to the leadership's dedication, not to any inadequacy in planning.

It rejected the allegations of inhumane treatment, absence of electricity, or neglect of basic welfare do not reflect the conditions of the camp, saying "we welcome any independent verification by credible parties."

Inwang gave the breakdown of what each athlete and coaches got after the exercise.

Entitlements for the Asaba camp were as follows:

Athletes: ₦100,000 Transport Allowance + ₦75,000 Camp Allowance

Coaches: ₦100,000 Transport Allowance + ₦100,000 Camp Allowance

The AFN acknowledges that some participants experienced delays in receiving their allowances during the camp period. 

"These delays arose from a third-party processing issue that temporarily affected the timing of disbursements, not the Federation's commitment or obligation to pay, stressing that the AFN acted swiftly to resolve the matter as soon as it was identified.

"In line with our Athlete-First Policy, athletes were prioritised in the payment queue ahead of officials," the scribe added.

On the video in virculation, the AFN, he said"is aware of a video recording during the camp in which some athletes expressed frustration. While we do not want to attribute the video circulation to a possible mischief, the Federation takes athlete voices seriously and does not dismiss these concerns.

"However, it is important for the public to understand that this video was recorded during the brief window of payment delay, before the issue had been resolved. It captures a moment of understandable concern, not the final outcome of the situation. 

"All obligations have since been fulfilled in full. The AFN encourages viewers of this video to consider it in its proper context."

Inwang said "AFN's Athlete-First Policy is not merely a statement, it is the operational framework that guides every programme, camp, and competition we organise. The Asaba camp, despite isolated logistical challenges, is a testament to this commitment:

"Athletes were paid before officials at every stage of the process.

Facility inspections were conducted before camp commencement to protect athlete welfare. Delays were addressed and resolved within the camp period itself.

"Nigerian athletics is on a trajectory of growth. Our athletes compete on global stages, represent this nation with distinction, and deserve an administration that fights for them, and that is precisely what this Federation continues to do."