Allowances Controversy: AFN Defends Handling Of Commonwealth Games Camp
AFN Responds to Allegations Over Asaba Camp
THE Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has strongly denied allegations of financial misconduct and poor welfare conditions during the recently concluded Phase One National Camp for the Commonwealth Games held in Asaba, Delta State.
The clarification follows widespread reports and viral videos suggesting that athletes protested over unpaid allowances and substandard living conditions at the camp, sparking public concern over the management of elite sports programmes in Nigeria.
In an official statement signed by its Secretary-General, Israel Inwang, the federation maintained that all financial and welfare obligations to athletes and coaches were fully met, attributing the controversy to misinformation and temporary administrative delays.
Funding, Oversight and Financial Accountability
Central to the dispute are claims of unpaid allowances and alleged diversion of funds. However, the AFN insisted that all monies for the camping exercise were properly approved and disbursed through established channels by the National Sports Commission (NSC).
According to the federation, funds were managed transparently through its treasury system, with full documentation available for scrutiny by oversight bodies.
“The AFN reaffirms that there was no diversion, misuse or misappropriation of funds,” the statement said, emphasising that all financial decisions were taken collectively by authorised officials.
This assertion forms a key part of the federation’s effort to reassure stakeholders amid growing scrutiny of sports administration in the country.
Allowances: Payment Structure and Delays
The AFN disclosed that athletes were entitled to ₦100,000 as transport allowance and ₦75,000 as camp allowance, while coaches were to receive ₦100,000 each for both transport and camp allowances.
While confirming that all payments have now been completed, the federation acknowledged that some athletes experienced delays during the camp. It attributed the disruption to a “third-party processing issue” rather than institutional failure.
Importantly, the AFN stated that athletes were prioritised over officials in the disbursement process, in line with its “Athlete-First Policy.”
Analysts note that while delayed payments are not uncommon in Nigerian sports administration, such incidents often fuel distrust, particularly when communication gaps exist between athletes and governing bodies.
Accommodation and Welfare Claims Under Scrutiny
Beyond financial concerns, reports also alleged poor welfare conditions, including inadequate accommodation and basic amenities.
The federation rejected these claims, stating that athletes and officials were housed in a “well-rated hotel facility” considered suitable for a camp of that scale. It added that the facility was selected following institutional negotiations to balance comfort and budgetary constraints.
According to the AFN, a joint inspection involving key officials—including the president, technical director, and athletes’ representative—was conducted before the camp commenced, with all facilities deemed fit for purpose.
Feeding arrangements, the statement added, met the nutritional standards required for high-performance athletes, with additional provisions reportedly made by the federation’s leadership to ensure no shortfalls.
Viral Video and the Question of Timing
A major catalyst for public outrage was a video circulating online, showing athletes expressing frustration over unpaid allowances.
The AFN acknowledged the video but urged the public to interpret it within context, explaining that it was recorded during the brief period when payment delays occurred.
“It captures a moment of understandable concern, not the final outcome,” the federation said, stressing that all outstanding payments were resolved before the camp concluded.
While the federation stopped short of questioning the authenticity of the video, it hinted at the possibility of misinterpretation or misrepresentation of events.
Balancing Perception and Reality in Sports Administration
The controversy highlights a recurring challenge in Nigerian sports governance: the gap between institutional narratives and athletes’ lived experiences.
Even where administrative explanations are valid, delayed payments and communication lapses can erode trust and amplify tensions, especially in high-stakes environments like national training camps.
Sports analysts argue that transparency must go beyond internal compliance to include proactive communication with athletes and the public.
AFN Reaffirms Commitment to Athletes
Despite the controversy, the AFN reiterated its commitment to athlete welfare, describing the Asaba camp as largely successful despite “isolated logistical challenges.”
The federation maintained that its operational framework prioritises athletes’ needs, from facility inspections to payment structures and leadership interventions when necessary.
As Nigeria prepares for major international competitions, the episode underscores the importance of accountability, efficiency, and trust in managing elite sports programmes.
