Sports
We Can’t Refund $130,000 – Dalung Dares IAAF
Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, has accused the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) of ‘blackmail’ after the body gave Nigeria an ultimatum to refund the money it was paid in error.
IAAF said Nigeria was overpaid in 2017 by $130,000 and that the country should pay back or face sanctions.
It is alleged that Mr Dalung authorised the disbursement of the money.
Speaking at the 2019 Okpekpe Road Race on Saturday in Edo State, Dalung questioned the claims made by IAAF, claiming that Nigeria did nothing wrong.
“I think Nigeria has been unfairly treated because the issue has been painted and promoted as if there was any wrongdoing on the part of Nigeria,” Dalung said.
“Certainly not, grants were released to Nigeria on the 17th of May 2017. IAAF on the 19th confirmed the transaction; those from IAAF after two months turned round and cried foul that it was a mistake.
“I smell rat in the whole thing and I believe that the whole thing has been orchestrated in an attempt to blackmail Nigeria.”
He continued: “Even when we went into it, we were not even convinced what the mistake was, is it a mistake of Nigeria or that of IAAF?
“When did they realise they made a mistake when the transaction was confirmed? I made a mistake in transferring money… I realised within 10 minutes and I called my bank and I retrieved the money. Why did it take IAAF two months to realise a mistake? An international organization, highly reputable?
“I think it is not about money erroneously credited to Nigeria, but there is a calculated attempt just to diminish and destroy Nigerian athletics, otherwise, I don’t see why they call it a mistake. We didn’t apply for a grant.”
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Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro now has the full compliment of all the 23 invited players in camp ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double header against Guinea-Bissau.
FC Porto of Portugal defender , Zaidu Sanusi arrived the team’s John Woods Hotel base on Tuesday afternoon to complete the list.
Sanusi will join his teammates in training later today at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen will also be part of the session after arriving late on Tuesday night.
Only the first 15 minutes of the training will be open to the media.
The Super Eagles will keep a date with the Djurtus in their matchday three encounter on Friday.
The three-time African champions will travel to Bissau for the reverse fixture next week Monday.
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Ex-Germany playmaker, Mesut Ozil has announced his retirement from football.
According to Ozil, he took the decision because of the recent injuries he has suffered.
The 34-year-old spent the past three years in the Turkish Super Lig.
Ozil retires after making four appearances for Basaksehir.
He amassed over 500 career appearances across his 17-year career.
“After thoughtful consideration, I’m announcing my immediate retirement from professional football,” Ozil tweeted on Wednesday.
He added: “It has been an amazing journey filled with unforgettable moments and emotions.
“I want to thank my clubs – Schalke, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal FC, Fenerbahçe, Basaksehir and the coaches who supported me, plus teammates who have become friends.”
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France manager, Didier Deschamps, has explained why he handed Kylian Mbappe the team’s captain armband ahead of Antoine Griezmann.
According to Deschamps, he opted to make Mbappe captain of France’s national team because the Paris Saint-Germain forward ticked all the boxes to lead Les Bleus.
Speaking with Tout le Sport on France 3, Deschamps said it is only natural and logical that Mbappe is made captain of the team.
He said, “He [Kylian Mbappe] ticked all the boxes to be it at some point. It is natural and logical that Kylian is made captain, especially from the point where he also wants it.”
Asked if there was any element of disappointment on the part of Griezmann, Deschamps added, “He knew very well that he had the possibility of being it (captain). I spoke with him, but despite it, all giving it to Kylian isn’t taking it away from Antoine.”
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