FOLUSHO ALADE, ABUJA
The NIGERIA SHOOTING SPORT FEDERATION team; the “PMB SHARP SHOOTERS” are yet to leave the country for TIPASA, ALGERIA, venue of the 2019 AFRICAN SHOOTING SPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS(ASSC) which is an Olympics qualifier for the 2020 TOKYO OLYMPICS GAMES.
Speaking on a live radio show in Abuja on Saturday, BRIG.GENERAL LONSDALE ADEOYE (RTD), President of the NIGERIA SHOOTING SPORT FEDERATION (NSSF) said the team has not been able to travel because they lack the required funds despite already securing visas and other travelling documents for the athletes who have been selected for the championships after the 2weeks trial camping in Abuja.
“we started our camping about 5months ago and after series of trials we have the required athletes.
“some of the athletes just need from 1-5points to make the MINIMUM QUALIFYING SCORE (MSQ) for Tokyo 2020 Olympics games.
“we have our visas, and other travel documents ready but we don’t have money for flights tickets, accommodation ,tournament fees and feeding” he said.
When asked if the Honourable Minister for Youths and Sports development, HONOURABLE SUNDAY DARE is aware of their predicament, ADEOYE said he has spoken with the honourable Minister who in turn has directed the Permanent Secretary, MR OLUSHADE ADESHOLA who is the chief accounting officer of the ministry to swing into action.
According to him the Permanent Secretary said there are no funds available for now.
He however appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to come to the aid of the Ministry of Sport so that money would be made available for the Shooting team to attend the championships.
“I must commend the honourable minister who has given us a listening ear and has directed the permanent secretary to liaise with us”
“when I contacted the Permanent Secretary he said there are no funds available for now”
“We are pleading with the federal government to release funds to the ministry of youths and sports development so we can attend this all important Olympics qualifier” he said.
ADEOYE stated that the consequences of not attending the championships will be grievous, according to him, Nigeria stand to be penalized, the country may not be considered or recommended for appointments into the African and International bodies for Shooting Sports and thirdly Nigeria stands to miss out of the developmental funds that may be disbursed by the INTERNATIONAL SHOOTING SPORT FEDERATION (ISSF) during their Annual Conference coming up in December 2019 in Germany.
“if we attend, we have a lot to gain, if we don’t attend we have a lot to lose.
“Lets take the chance and attend.
“if we can’t go with the number of athletes we require, please give us a small number so we can show our face and avoid the country being penalized.
“some events will start taking place in the next 48-72hrs”
“I am calling on well-meaning Nigerians to come to our rescue” he concluded.
The AFRICAN SHOOTING SPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS (ASSC) billed for TIPASA, ALGERIA will run from 17-26 November 2019.
The Championships will serve as an Olympic qualifier for African countries hoping to be part of the 2020 TOKYO OLYMPICS GAMES.
