Nigerian athletes staged a protest in Tokyo after 10 of them were disqualified from taking part in the track and field events of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
The protesting athletes displayed 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.”
“We are not just alternates, but potential medallists”, “Dreams shattered”, “10 out of 23, we can’t continue this way” were also some of the inscriptions on the placards carried by the protesting Nigerian athletes.
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The athletes who protested are Ruth Usoro, Favour Ofili, Annette Echikunwoke, Chioma Onyekwere, Glory Patrick, Chidi Okezie, Tima Godbless, Rosemary Chukwuma, Yinka Ajayi and Knowledge Omovoh.
Control TV had reported that the Athletics Integrity Unit disqualified Ruth Usoro, Favour Ofili and eight other athletes after they failed to conduct the mandatory three out-of-competition tests before the Olympics.
The Nigerian athletes represented 50 per cent of the total number of athletes disqualified across the world for violating OCT regulations.
The athletes further took to social media to express their disappointment after the protest.
“Hi everyone. It’s with outmost disappointment I share the news that I won’t be competing at the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games after coming this far.
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“Firstly, I give God Almighty all the thanks for the journey thus far and all my accomplishments this season prior to the Olympics. Thanks to my family all my fans and all those that intercede for me in their prayers,” Ofili wrote on Instagram.
“I feel it’s right that everyone out there knows the truth. I was punished for the crime committed by those who are supposed to be looking out for me because of incompetence and selfishness.
“I worked really hard to qualify for the Olympics and in the end, this is the payment I get in return, ineligible to compete.
“Your negligence can’t demoralise me for I know God has greater plans for me.
©ControlTV2021.
