As Nigeria’s sole representative in the female event of the ongoing ITTF African Senior Championships, Olufunke Oshonaike is not happy with the attitude of government to other sports, saying that it is killing the spirit of the athletes.
The Germany-based star told NationSport that for the second time within a year, Nigeria female team is missing major championships in the ITTF calendar.
“I am sincerely not happy that despite the honours and laurels that table tennis has brought and still bringing to Nigeria, the government has not deemed it fit to show concern particularly in supporting the athletes to attend major competitions.
“I personally met the Sports Minister and the permanent secretary during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil that they should support other sports but with the absence of my teammates in Morocco, it is clear that nothing has changed. I could remember that when the football team wanted to play in Zambia last week, the money to get a chartered plane was released from nowhere but when it comes to other sports, the story seems to be the same.
“This is not too good. How can you imagine that Aruna Quadri who was celebrated worldwide and even by the Minister is yet to get support from his country? The young man has been sponsoring himself to major competitions across the globe but when the successes start coming, everybody will start to identify with him.
“Most of the countries in Morocco are not even richer or better than Nigeria but they are all here in Morocco and Nigeria which is regarded as African giant could not sponsor a team to the competition. I am not happy with those in charge of our sports and they have shown that they are not interested in other sports but when it comes to the successes of other sports, they will be the ones to be at the forefront celebrating the feat.
“I have nothing to gain again from playing the game as I am just there to encourage the younger players and I can imagine what those players will be feeling. I must also say categorically, that this present government care less of other sports with priority always to football.
“What does it cost to sponsor 16 players to a competition in Morocco? This cannot be compared to what they spend on the football team. Most of the male players sponsor themselves again to the competition and this is not too good as most of them are bread winners to their families,” she added.