Determined to motivate the athletes representing Nigeria at the on-going 12^th edition of Africa Games in Morocco, the federal government has rewarded medal-winning athletes and team sports players with millions of Naira

The Ministry of Youth and Sports gave out the reward to the athletes on Tuesday to the first batch of medallists at the Games.

So far, a total of 58 athletes and 4 officials got cash rewards ranging from $3000 (N1, 080, 000. 00) for Gold, $2000 for silver and $1500 for bronze medals.

Gold medallists in team events got $6000, Bronze got $4500 while the Badminton mixed team players shared $18,000.

At a brief ceremony on Tuesday at the Games Village, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr Olusade Adesola thanked the team for their brilliant performance at the Games.

“As a Ministry, we shall continue to fulfil the commitment of government to each and every one of you in line with the approval of Mr. President”.

The Permanent Secretary also restated government’s commitment to the welfare of athletes stating that no single athlete or participant representing Nigeria is being owed any benefits or allowances.

“My attention was drawn to a report in an online medium in which an athlete appealed to the Honourable Minister to pay their entitlements. Those of you who have participated in international competitions since my coming on board in 2018 will attest to it that the ministry under my watch is not owing any athlete, rather we have gone further to support athletes on their medical needs, supported athletes with scholarships grants but having difficulty in meeting up with the front end costs. Through the Nigeria Olympic Committee and other Federations, we have secured scholarships for over 20 athletes.

“I therefore want to appeal to our athletes not to engage in peddling inappropriate information on the achievements of government towards us”.

Mr Olusade also restated that the 12th African Games will serve as a qualifying event for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games (with few exceptions) in Athletics, Badminton, Canoe/Kayak, Cycling, Handball, Judo, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Beach Volleyball and Weightlifting.

He congratulated the gold medalists in the mentioned sports who he said have already booked their spots at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Earlier, the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee Engr. Habu Gumel praised the athletes for their good behaviour in camp. He also reminded them of the need to win clean medals and the need to shun drugs.

The Nigerian Ambassador to Morocco His Excellency Mr Baba Garba also commended the athletes for comporting themselves in a good manner.

The first batch of awards was for athletes who won laurels in Taekwondo, Table Tennis, Badminton, Gymnastics, Karate, Athletics, Basketball and Weightlifting.

The next awards will be announced as the athletes conclude their events. The 2019 Africa Games will end on Saturday, August 31^st with Nigeria currently occupying 4^th position.