December 17, 2005

Nigeria’s Daily Independent newspaper reported yesterday that the national Sports Ministry has closed Nigeria’s training camp for the 2006 Commonwealth Games due to lack of funds.

All athletes were told to go on “indefinite holidays” from the training camp.

The camp reportedly opened just two weeks ago but a number of athletes stayed away, preferring to train in their own familiar training environments, funded by training grants. 

The Nigerian Sports ministry also revealed last month that there would be no funds for overseas training, instead planning to bring foreign coaches to Nigeria to help prepare the Commonwealth Games team. 

Nigeria is planning on participating in just eight sports in Melbourne.

In addition due to the perceived poor international performances of Nigeria’s track and field athletes, officials have even brought up the topic of simply leaving the team home, and this issue has still not been resolved.

Sunday Bada, a Commonwealth games bronze medallist in the 400 meter, and now

Technical director of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) encouraged the athletes to continue training on their own, and not wait for the government’s help.

Trials for Nigeria’s athletics team are still scheduled for February.

The crisis in funding for all of Nigeria’s Commonwealth Games teams is juxtaposed with the fact that Nigeria is hoping to bid to host the Commonwealth Games of 2014.  Putting on the games requires far more money that sending a team to the games.  If Nigeria cannot fund a 2006 Commonwealth Games team, can they legitimately fund a bid for 2014, or pay for the games themselves?

Canada Chooses Halifax  to compete for 2014 Commonwealth Games

December 15, 2005

Halifax has been unanimously selected as Canada's candidate to bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games against Glasgow, Scotland and Abuja, Nigeria.

Halifax was selected over Hamilton, Ottawa, and the York/Toronto Region.

Commonwealth Games Federation president Claude Bennett spoke very highly of all four bids and hoped that all four cities would continue to bid for future international events.

The announcement was made in a live webcast just before 10:30 am EST (7:30 am PST). Halifax organizers immediately updated the Halifax 2014 web site with "Winner" emblazoned across the top, and a press release of the announcement.

The international bidding for the 2014 Commonwealth Games will conclude in late 2007 at Commonwealth Games meetings in Sri Lanka.

Cameroon, Iraq, Mongolia, Nigeria and the Philippines may miss Children's Games

July 25, 2004

The city of Cleveland has signed up some 143 cities from 60 nations according to the games web site, for the first International Children's Games held in the United States, but problems obtaining visas may keep five of those nations, and about fifty athletes, from participating, the Cleveland Plain Dealer has reported.

The visas reportedly have not been denied. The delegations involved were said to have simply not allowed enough time to obtain the documents.

Games organizers took the issue all the way to the White House, with no success

More International Children's Games

June 30, 2004

The Daily Times of Nigeria is reporting that the lottery for Abuja's African Games village housing units is complete.

The Times reported that 1 million forms were sold for 5,000 nairas (about $37 US dollars) for the chance to purchase one of 556 units in the village. Of that 5,000,000,000 amount ov revenue grossed from the forms, the Ministry of Housing earned some 80,000,000 nairas ($600,000 US)

The housing units are not cheap. In a nation where the per capita income is around $300 per year, and 60 percent of the population living below the poverty line, the four bedroom housing units are being sold for 16 million naira (120,000 $ US) and the three bedroom units for 12.5 million naira, ($94,000 US)

Those chosen in the random drawing have 30 days to pay the first 30 percent of the cost of the houses, and another 30 days to pay the rest or they will forfeit their opportunity to purchase the property.

June 10, 2004

Ghana and Nigeria have reached an early agreement to revive the Ghana/Nigeria Friendship Games which were held annually for a period during the 1970s.  Hosting duties were alternated between the two countries.

The proposal is to bring them back in April of next year, with the goal of providing more opportunities for young athletes from Ghana and Nigeria to develop, no athletes living outside the two nations will be allowed to compete.

Athletes for the games would be chosen from each the National Sports Festivals of each country.

Ghana/Ivory Coast Friendship Games were also held in the past.

African Games village allotments begin

June 1, 2004

Nigeria's President Olusegun Obasanjo has begun the process of choosing winners in the lottery for apartments in the African Games Village in Abuja.

The village was used for the 2003 African Games, the 2004 Nigerian National Games, and is now being sold to private citizens.  High demand necessitated a lottery system be used to decide who would get the apartments.

The lottery was organized on a nation wide basis.  The 14 Nigerian states with a population of over 3 million were allotted 13 of the units, with all of the other states, 12 units.

May 11, 2004

Nigerian officials announced during last years African Games in October, that the new housing in the games village would be sold to individuals, after the games and after the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings in December 2003.

Bureaucratic red tape, and an ineffective government commission,  have held up the sale, and the empty village was opened up again and used during the past month for the Nigerian National Games, as it was reportedly the only place with available capacity to host the games.

Now the government has announced that the housing units will finally go on sale, with priority said to be for less-privileged citizens. 

Fortune International Bank Plc has been named as the official bank for the sale by the government. Interested parties need to purchase an application form from the bank for 5,000 nairas ($37 US).  Applicants will then be evaluated for the 546 available units.

The disposal of the housing is scheduled to take place very quickly, with the government setting a deadline of May 19 for the applications and the housing planned to be allotted by the end of the month.

With the sale of the village, the housing will no longer be available for athletes in training, or for use in a future Commonwealth or Olympic Games village. 

April 29, 2004

The Lagos newspaper, This Day, is reporting that the village complex used for last year's African Games in Abuja is in disrepair, and has been looted and vandalized and left unoccupied since last November.

The village, with space to house about 11,000 people, will be used for Nigeria's upcoming National Sports Festival, which begins in less than a week.

The organizing committee for the National Games has been working to replace broken doors and stolen air conditioning units and to clean up the village.

Nigeria has mentioned bidding for larger events such as the Commonwealth Games, Afro-Asian Games or even the Olympic Games. Without care for existing facilities, and making use of these facilities, it will be difficult for Nigeria's dream to come true.

April 19, 2004

The facilities for the Abuja African Games will be put to use once again for the 14th Nigerian National Sports Festival from May 3-12. 

April 6, 2004

Bauchi's African University Games have run into financial difficulties and have been postponed for several weeks. Not all of the sponsors that said they would be able to provide funds have been able to do so. About 1.1 US has been budgeted for the games.

The games were scheduled to be held April 14-24 in Bauchi, Nigeria, at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University but have been postponed to May 22-31, 2004.

The sponsorship of Mercedes Benz , which was to supply vehicles for the games, has been postponed by red tape, as they were supposed to be given a waiver of import fees, which has not yet been granted.

Organizers still hope to welcome athletes from twelve African nations if the games open in May.

March 12, 2004

Inspections of the games village, stadiums, arenas and hostels have been completed and organizers of the African University Games at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi, Nigeria are ready for the games which are scheduled to open on April 12.

Vice President of the Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU), Michael Dantekpon from Benin, assisted with the inspections.

Mercedes Benz, Zinox Computers and MTN a telephone and communications company, are helping to sponsor the games while Guardian Express Assurance has agreed to be the the official insurer for the games.

Bauchi is expecting 3,000 athletes, 2,000 journalists and 500 officials for the games.

African Games gold medallist fails drug test

March 11, 2004

News sources are reporting that Davidson Emenogu of Nigeria, winner of the gold medal in the super lightweight category at last years African Games has failed a drug test, and will not be allowed to compete in the Olympic Games.

It was not released when the test was taken or if it was an in-competition or out of competition test, though the drug, a diuretic furosemide, might indicate that Emenogu was attempting to make weight.

Emenogu has had bad luck at international games. He made it to the semi-finals of the Manchester Commonwealth games in 2002, but broke his foot playing a games of football in the games village between fights and was not able to box in the semi-final. He was still awarded a bronze medal for making the semi-final round.

February 19, 2004

The Federation du Africaine Sport Universitaire (FASU) has announced that Nigeria will host the African University Games from April 14 to 22 of this year.

The games have not been held since 1978 when they were hosted by Nairobi.

Nigeria announced last year that they would be interested in reviving the African University Games, using the new and renovated facilities from the 2003 African Games in Abuja.

However, the games will be held in the north of Nigeria, in Bauchi, and not Abuja. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi will be the host university, using Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, swimming pool, gymnasium, with some sports being played at the Federal Polytechnic school.

Organizers have announced they are expecting a total of 3,000 participants, including officials, from 55 nations. 

Seven sports will be included in the games for both men and women: athletics, badminton, basketball, judo, squash, swimming, table tennis and wrestling.  A football competition will be held for men only. 

Mercedes Benz has signed on to sponsor the games.

Cameroon will host its own national universities games, scheduled to open April 26th.

The annual Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland University Games begin this weekend at the University of Botswana and run from February 22-29.

West African University Games wrap up

January 2, 2004

Athletes from twenty-nine universities in Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal took part in the 11th West African University Games in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, December 10-21.

Three Nigerian universities, the University of Port Harcourt, Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Lagos took the top three medal table positions.

The games included athletics, basketball, field hockey, football, handball, judo, swimming, table tennis, lawn tennis, volleyball, and wrestling. 

Olu Fasuba, of Obafemi Awolowo University, won the 100 meters in 10.27 seconds, considered one of the games finest performers. Fasuba ran the same times at last years Afro-Asian Games in India.

Swimmer Obia Iyingiyikabo, won nine gold medals in swimming for the University of Port-Harcourt.  She was rewarded with one million Nigerian nairas (about $ 7,300 US) and a BMW car from the Governor of River State, Dr Peter Odili. Odili promised similar rewards to any other young athletes who have similar success in the future.

Commonwealth 2014 bid. Everybody in the pool

December 9, 2003

In lane 7, Nigeria, and in lane 8 The Bahamas.

Government officials from those two nations have mentioned this week to the press, their wishes of possibly hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games, filling out a field which already includes possible contestants Wales, South Africa, Singapore, Scotland, New Zealand and Canada.

Nigeria's President Olusegun Obasanjo mentioned his interest in having his nation bid for the 2014 games during a breakfast with Mike Fennel, the President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, during recent meetings in Nigeria of the Commonwealth Heads of State.

Nigeria had talked of bidding for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, but the official bid never materialized. The Nigerian Olympic Committee and the Nigerian Sports Ministry have said that they will be meeting soon to follow-up on the President's proposal and to draft bid papers to present to the government for approval.

Nigeria is pointing to the recently concluded African Games as a plus towards any future bids, but the general feeling that came out of those games was one of disorganization and mismanagement, and one that did not leave the impression that Nigeria was prepared to host anything larger than the African Games.

Meanwhile, one of the smallest Commonwealth nations is talking very big. The Bahamas, through their Sports Minister, Neville Wisdom, have mentioned bids for either the Commonwealth or Pan-American Games.

A proposed Commonwealth Games for the Bahamas would be a major turnaround for the Commonwealth Games Federation. The 2010 Games were recently awarded to India, the largest Commonwealth nation, by population, with over 1 billion inhabitants. The population of the Bahamas currently rests at around 300,000 people.

Wisdom want the Bahamas to bid for one of the major games as soon as possible with a plan that would minimize the number of sporting events held while maximizing the types of events that would draw the largest Bahamian crowds, would generate a good TV contract, gather robust corporate sponsorship, sell millions of tickets and get a great deal of support from the government.

The Bahamas current GDP is $ 5.2 billion US. The most recent Pan American Games host, the Dominican Republic, which did not find it easy to finance the 2003 games, has a GDP of about $53 billion.

The Bahamas have never hosted a major multisport games, and currently do not have the facilities for hosting multiple events.

Wisdom told the Bahamian press, "I believe it can be patterned and packaged so it can be done very professionally and successfully here in the Bahamas." "If we had the willpower and accepted the challenge, a major sporting event could propel our country."

The Bahamas may want to consider bidding for a smaller event first such as the Central American and Caribbean Games, the Central American and Caribbean University Games, any one of the numerous other regional games, or putting on an edition or two of a Bahamian National Games. This would give them the opportunity to build up their infrastructure and venues over a period of time, as opposed to absorbing those costs all at once. It also would ensure that the facilities are used for more than one event.

Good luck to both Nigeria and the Bahamas. A Pan-American or Commonwealth Games in the Bahamas might be a wonderful experience, and if the tiny nation can in fact pull it off, great. But the odds are not in their favor.

African Games malaria claims one more life

November 8, 2003

A young Ethiopian sprinter, 17 year old Rebka Chenashu is the latest victim of the malaria outbreak that occurred during the All African Games in Abuja, Nigeria.

Members of the delegations from Egypt, Kenya and South Africa contracted malaria while at the games.  Two Egyptians and one South African have already died with dozens more ill.

African Games malaria spreads

The contractors are "working around the clock" and Chikelu is concerned that personnel will not be trained in time to operate the sophisticated equipment. The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) still insists that whether the contractors meet the deadline or not, they will still be able to broadcast the African Games worldwide.

Deadlines near for African Games facilities

September 24, 2003

Nigerian Vice president Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has given contractors seven days to finish work on facilities for the African Games. The September 30 deadline falls just four days before the October 4th start of the games, and after teams from several nations have already arrived in Abuja.

The vice president was reportedly not happy that work had continued to this late date. Atiku gave no specific threat but said the contractors "would pay dearly" if work was not completed on time. Water and sewage systems are reportedly still being installed at the games village. The Nigerian newspaper Daily Trust has reported that Nigerian athletes in town to train for the games are staying in tents and using portable toilets because the housing and sewage system at the village are not ready.

Two weeks ago reports were issued that the stadiums outside Abuja in Lagos, Bauchi, and Calabar to be used for football matches, and the media center in Lagos, were not yet prepared.

At the same time it was confirmed that the government, at this late date, had cut the budget for the games in half, from 24 billion naira to 12 billion.

Suppliers are concerned that money has not been forthcoming from the government to pay for equipment for the games. JVC Electronics threatened to pull all of their equipment from the games if they did not receive their contracted payment.

Organizers supposedly have a plan that would still ensure that equipment would be available and that the games would still be shown on television, and that the budget will be met, but have said that they are scaling down in the areas of cultural displays, entertainment, and the opening ceremony.

On a positive note, Globacom Communications, has followed through and donated telecommunications equipment and 100 million naira in support of the games.

Dancers Threaten to boycott African Games

September 19, 2003

While the organizing committee of the African Games is undergoing a severe money shortage, a group of performers has announced a possible boycott if their daily allowances are not met.

The agreement between the Dance Guild of Nigeria, and COJA covered room and board, transportation, per diem and an honorarium as well as insurance and medical coverage.

But the Dance Guild of Nigeria has called the 250 naira (or $2.25 ) per day "paltry" and has asked the organizing committee to renegotiate. The Dance Guild wants the daily allowance raised from 250 naira to 1000 naira per day, and the honorariums, which are on a sliding scale from 10,000 to 50,000 naira set at 50,000 naira (or about $379 US dollars) for each performer.

Nigeria's annual per capita income is about $875 dollars US.

Athletes and teams dropping out from African Games

September 18, 2003

Money, disciplinary problems, disputes with federations and simple fatigue are some of the factors that will keep several teams and individuals away from next months African Games in Abuja, Nigeria.

Ghana will not be sending its baseball team citing financial difficulties. The team offered to travel by road and give up their per diem money, just to be able to play in the games, but Ghanian sports officials said this would be discriminatory and not good for the nations image relative to the other teams that Ghana is sending. The entire Ghanian delegation is postponing their arrival in Nigeria by four days in order to save more money.

Kenya has also mentioned several cuts to its teams, citing lack of funds.

The defending African Games women's athletics 100 meter champion, Mercy Nku of Nigeria, has been placed under disciplinary measures by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and is suspended from the games. Disputes over training funds led to the suspension of Nku and three other Nigerian athletes.

Several other star track and field athletes have recently dropped out citing injury or fatigue due to the games dates falling very late in the athletics season. Maria Mutola, women's 800 meter world champion from Mozambique, and winner of the African Games 800 meters in 1991, 1995 and 1999 will not be in Nigeria to defend her title.

World champion high jumper Hestrie Cloete of South Africa has also indicated she will not be in Abuja, citing injury.

Two of Kenya's world championship medallists have announced they will be missing from the African Games. Eliud Kipchoge, who won the 5,000 meter race at the Paris world championships last month, and Ezekeiel Kemboi, silver medallist in the steeplechase, have declined invitations. Kemboi said he would be in the middle of a two month rest period saying "all I want to do during my rest time is to eat and sleep."

The Kenya National Sports Council also announced that they will not be sending any sprinters because of lack of funds. Victor Kibet (400m), Daniel Kibet (400m H), Japheth Ogamba (200m), Jacinta Wambui (400m) and Hellen Chemutai (100m/ 200m) will not be traveling to the games.

The drop-outs will also effect the Afro-Asian Games as the top athletes and teams from the African Games are scheduled to fly directly to Hyderabad, India to participate in the Afro-Asian Games.

Afro-Asian Games organizers also announced today a reduction in those games saying that tennis has been dropped from the schedule.

Anil Khanna, Secretary General of the All India Tennis Association and the Asian Tennis Federation said, "The main players have expressed their inability to take part in the event due to prior commitments." "Besides the Indian players being not available, none of the countries from Asia and Africa were in a position to send their best team." "We thought the sanctity of the Games should not be diluted by the participation of second string teams, and hence the decision to drop tennis."

37 cents for African Games tickets

September 17, 2003

From 37 US cents to 37 US dollars will get you a ticket to events at the All-African Games in Abuja, Nigeria, with thirteen of the twenty-three sports being offered for free.

The $37 dollar tickets, or 5000 Nigerian naira, are for opening and closing ceremony tickets in the VIP stand.

Tickets for soccer finals will range from 1500 to 2000 naira ($15 US dollars).

Athletics, boxing and basketball tickets range from 100 to 200 naira (75 cents to $1.50). Swimming, table-tennis, tennis, volleyball and weightlifting go for 50 to 100 naira (37 cents to 75 cents.)

Badminton, baseball, chess, cycling, gymnastics, hockey, judo, karate, softball, taekwando and wrestling will free to spectators.

Per capita income in Nigeria averages $875 dollars per year.

Nigeria Customs Service prepared for African Games

September 14, 2003

Nigeria's customs agents have undergone special training to prepare for the arrival of teams from around Africa for the African Games in Abuja. Staffing levels will be full for the games.

The Customs Service has sent information to all of the delegations of all of the participating countries to inform them of Nigeria’s customs regulations and what items are prohibited in Nigeria, and have coordinated customs efforts with the relevant committees in the organizing committee.

Customs agents are hoping that work on the Abuja airport will be finished before the crush of athletes arrives.

September 8, 2003

Coca-Cola will be the official soft drink of the All Africa Games in Abuja, Nigeria next month and will supply water and soft drinks to the athletes and officials at the games, and will be the only drinks sold in the stadiums and arenas.

Nigerian Coca-Cola Representative Yinka Akande said, "Coca-Cola will use the All Africa Games to refresh the African spirit."

Meanwhile, a parliamentary probe in India into pesticide levels in Coca-Cola and Pepsi products in Asia has led organizers to hold off on making an agreement with either company to sponsor the Afro-Asian Games.

SCSA and COJA in disagreement over fees

September 3, 2003

African nations that do not pay their membership fees to the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa (SCSA) risk not being allowed to participate in the upcoming African Games in Nigeria, SCSA secretary-general Awoture Eleyae has announced.

This is in contradiction to a letter sent by COJA (Comité d’organisation des jeux Africain) in early August which said that nations would be allowed to participate in the games, even if they had not paid membership fees owed to the SCSA. Executive Director of the organizing committee, Amos Adamu, sent letters to several African nations informing them that " payment or non-payment of the affiliation fee shall not be hindrance to your full participation."

The SCSA has now responded to the contrary. Nations that have not paid their SCSA dues will not be allowed to participate in the games.

More vehicles for Nigerian teams

July 11, 2003

Not to be outdone by BMW and Mercedes Benz, Dana Motors, a KIA distributor in Nigeria has decided to donated the use of 25 buses specifically for Nigeria's athletes as they prepare for the African Games.

Dana Motors will also pay a fee to have the right to be known as, the "Official Car of Team Nigeria.”

BMW of Germany and Mercedes Benz of Nigeria both signed contracts in the past week to supply vehicles for the running of the games.

The government asked other corporations to come forward and help Nigeria's athletes under the "Team Nigeria" project, and directed a comment to the nations sports officials imploring them to make good use of the vehicles for the purposes they were donated for and not for any other purpose.

Mercedes will provide trucks for African Games

July 10, 2003

The Nigerian division of Mercedes Benz has been signed on to provide ambulances, fire trucks, buses, and other work vehicles for the 2003 African Games.

The decision comes just days after the car contract went to Germany's BMW, which angered the Nigerian auto industry.

Mercedes-Benz Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company (MB-ANAMMCO) based in Enugu, has less than 100 days to supply the vehicles.

The Nigerian government is hoping that the contract will reassure Nigerian businesses that the government is committed to Nigerian product and the Nigerian economy after the car contract was awarded to a non-Nigerian company.

BMW sponsorship of African Games opposed by Nigeria's automakers

July 7, 2003

The Nigerian auto industry is upset that is has been passed over for the contract to supply vehicles to the African Games in Abuja. Germany's BMW landed the deal last week.

The Nigerian auto makers have responded by saying that the agreement makes it clear that the Nigerian government is not sincere when it comes to supporting local industries.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers' Association (NAMA) have publicly stated opposition to the choice of a foreign vehicle brand for the games

Anambra Motor Company (ANAMMCO) and Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) produce cars within Nigeria, with the Peugeot "Lion" considered to be Nigeria's official car.

Peugeot Automobile Nigeria, KIA Motors and Honda all been involved in discussions on the car sponsorship for the games. The Peugeot plant has been operating far under capacity and could have used the business. Games officials simply said that PAN's N3Billion asking price (about 23 million US, or $25,500 per car) was too much. PAN had supplied some vehicles during the early part of the organizing phase for the games.

Nigerian manufacturers argue that German cars are not built for Nigerian roads, and that there will be trouble with maintenance.

Strikes and violence in Abuja

July 3, 2003

With the African Games set to open in less than 100 days (October 4th), the host city, Abuja, Nigeria has been hit with violent protests and a strike over a government ordered rise in fuel prices.

On June 20 Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo made a decision to end government subsidies on retail fuel products which raised prices by more than 50 percent. 

The union, NLC (Nigeria Labor Congress) began a walkout that has escalated into violence. At least eight people have died in the violence with dozens injured.

After days of talks, the union has said it will widen the strike nation-wide if the decision to raise prices is not reversed. 

On a brighter note for the games, Coscharis Motors (BMW) has signed on as a sponsor and as the Official Car Provider for the African Games.

The company will provide some 900 BMW vehicles for the Games and pay a  $1.5 million to COJA as sponsorship fee. 

The International Olympic Committee's Olympic Solidarity program has awarded $75,000 to Nigeria for training athletes for the African Games in October.

Nigeria's National Olympic Committee president, Habu Ahmed Gumel announced that the money will be distributed to of the national federations, stating, "Before the NOC requested for this money from the IOC, the Secretariat wrote to all these Federations to apply, but only 14 sports responded."

All African Games Stadium to be Opened

April  2003

A ceremony is scheduled for April 8th to dedicate the new African Games stadium in Abuja, Nigeria. 

The completion of the stadium is seen as a good indication that preparations of facilities for the games are on schedule. 

International playwright and 1986 Nobel laureate in literature, 
Wole Soyinka has been asked to help design the opening
and closing ceremonies of the 8th All African Games.
 
Organizers are advertising the ceremonies will portray
Nigeria's rich cultural heritage in a dramatic way" with strong music, 
displays by Nigerian cultural groups. 

2003 African Games still juggling several issues

December 12, 2002

Mr. Fan Ndubuoke, the General Manager for Media and Communications for the organizing body of the 8th African Games, has stated that the publicity program for the games is proceeding as planned and on schedule.

As an example Ndubuoke mentioned the One Year Countdown program at Eagle Square in Abuja on October 4. "That single event generated so much publicity for the Games and we are all happy about it. Now, no Nigerian cannot claim not to be aware of the 8th All-Africa Games" Ndubuoke said.

Plans are to run documentary type shows on television and radio in early 2003 to provide information on the history, mission and organization of the current games.

Ndubuoke is confident that all plans for media exposure from now through the end of the games are in place and operating as they should be.

Other areas of organization for the games are still not running as smoothly as hoped.

The Nigerian government is telling all of the sports associations in Nigeria to be ready any time to begin training camps for athletes to prepare for the games.

The athletes and federations on the other hand have been telling the government that these training camps should have been set up long ago. Some have insisted that if preparations do not start soon, Nigeria's athletes will be embarrassed at the games.

The Government Sports Ministry, the National Olympic Committee and organizing body for the games are still not in agreement on how to proceed with, and pay for, the training camps.

The main new facility for the games, the Abuja Stadium, should be ready by the end of February according to the stadium task force. The stadium was to be turned over to stadium managers this month, but financial delays from the government has slowed the schedule. If the stadium is turned over in February, the months of March and April will be used for testing the facility.

The new stadium seats 60,000 and included 58 corporate suites.

Nigerian Table Tennis Federation threatens African Games boycott

October 2002

The facility proposed for table tennis is in such bad repair that the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation has threatened to boycott the All-African Games if the facility is not refurbished before the games.

Alternatively, the NTTF board has asked the Ministry of Sports and Sports Development that the building, called "Knock-up Hall" be leased to them, and they will take care of the matter themselves.

The board has threatened to resign en masse if their demands are not met.

Mr. Paul Erinne, Chairman of Anambra Table Tennis Association said, "We are businessmen and we're going to put it to a standard that befits us. For now, that place looks like a pig's pen and I won't be surprised if snakes and other rodents make it their habitat."

Meanwhile, the Federal Government in Nigeria has ordered the the Directorate of Road Traffic Services in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to do something about traffic and traffic safety in the capitol of Abuja before next year's All-African Games and Conference of Commonwealth Heads of States and Governments.

Mixed Messages on African Games Preparations

September, 2002

News reports from Nigeria continue to vary widely as to the status of preparations for the 2003 African Games, which are set to open just over a year from now.

The paper This Day, claimed earlier this month that the Lagos Federal Government was "not serious" about the preparations for the games, and "the slow-pace of games preparation have assumed alarming proportions."

Alli-Baba Balogun, athletes representative of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria was quoted as saying "efforts by both the federal government and Sports Ministry at making the games a success appears real only on paper," and "my opinion is that government is no longer interested in hosting the games."

Marketing and fundraising were said to be especially behind, and efforts to improve the training conditions and provide equipment for Nigerian athletes could be improved.

Organizers on the other hand have responded by saying that organizers are more focused than ever and "all necessary arrangements have been fine-tuned."

Dr. Amos Adamu head of the organizing committee stated, "we have stressed our plans with a view to making Nigerians ready for what we want to be the best continental games of the century and we would not relent in our effort at achieving great success."

"The Olympic Games is the Olympics; the Commonwealth Games is the Commonwealth and the All Africa Games is for Africa, so there is no basis to compare them," Adamu stated.

Statements that the games organizers are behind schedule were "deliberate misinformation" said Mr. Adamu.

Adamu went on to say that "we have a secret," for the games opening and closing ceremonies, promising suspense and high drama.

"The opening and closing programs are our own secret we're keeping closely to our chest," he said,

"The opening ceremonies are always the events that make games special and bear lasting memories." "Many competitions are judged with the opening and closing ceremonies because the other things have been seen before - how athletes run, swim are no longer new, but the show that organizers put up."

(Ed. let's hope that the organizers do not put style over substance and forget to actually organize the competitions well.)

Drug Lab for Abuja?
September 3, 2002 

The Nigerian Olympic Committee's on and off again plans to build a doping control
laboratory before next year's 8th All-Africa Games, are on again.

Nigerian Olympic Committee president Alhaji Habu Ahmed Gumel wants the lab to help Nigeria test its own athletes in an attempt to avert further drug problems  

"Setting up the lab is my pet project. This
is one project that is dear to my heart," said Gumel. 

Gumel is working with both the Nigerian federal government and has requested assistance from the IOC and its Olympic Solidarity program.

Nigerian government sources have stated that the new stadium complex, will be completed within budget, contrary to previous reports, and that the stadium will be completed ahead of schedule.

Marketing company for All Africa Games in financial trouble

August 23, 2002

The marketing company that was given the marketing rights of the 13th All Africa games, BDS/Sportsworld Media Group, has gone into receivership.

The company had put itself up for sale but has since run out of cash.

The choice of the company last year was controversial in Nigeria because the Sports Ministry reportedly made the choice without open or competitive bidding.

The games are scheduled to be held in  October 2003 and organizers are once again looking for a plan or company to market the games.

African Games Preparations Critiqued

Aug. 21, 2002

After viewing the well-run Commonwealth Games in Manchester, Nigerian Sports Minister Stephen Akiga has expressed doubts on Nigeria's preparedness to host the next Africa Games in 2003.

Akiga expressed concerns regarding the state of facilities, which are still being constructed, and the lack of time to test those facilities and procedures. "All these facilities should have been ready by now. They should have been test run to confirm they are going to be okay for the games." Akiga told a BBC affiliate in Canada.

When the BBC questioned if the organization of the games was not his responsibility as minister, Akiga responded, "it is a responsibility I have been given. I'll see what we would do to see that it is right." The question was a but unfair as Akiga only recently assumed the duties of sports minister after the death of the previous minister, Ishaya Mark Aku was killed in a play crash in early May.

Akiga said that he is confident that Nigeria will rise to the occasion and that the country is actually looking to host the 2012 Olympic Games and probably the 2010 World Cup.

An article in the Vangaurd paper in Nigeria strongly criticized the materials that were handed out in Manchester to promote the 2003 African Games.

"The official brochure presented by COJA in a manner of speaking cannot be said to be of low quality because it has no quality at all. The print quality of the brochure is so poor any high school would not want its name associated with the work."

The paper said that the brochure succeeded in "what could be termed a display of the affluence and the who-is-who in Nigeria." The brochure features the President, vic-President, National Assembly and various high-level influential backers.

At one point the document mentions Sports Minister Steven Akiga, then later, Ishaya Mark Aku, Nigeria Minister of Sports "President in Office," the Minister who died in early May.

Finally the paper reported, the issue of sharia and how it will affect the games in northern Nigeria is ignored.

Officials Question status of blind Nigerian Sprinter

August 1, 2002

Adesoji Adekunle, who blazed to a gold medal in 100 meter dash for blind athletes at the Commonwealth Games, setting of celebration in Nigeria, was questioned by officials about his status as a blind athlete. 

Adekunle broke the world record in both the heats and finals, eventually running 10.76 seconds. 

The time raised many eyebrows, leading officials to inquire about Adekunle's blindness. Dr. Frank Oye of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) medical commission, explained, somewhat mysteriously, "the athlete hailed from the part of Nigeria where almost all the inhabitants are blind." "They actually beg for money to eke out a living for themselves."

The explanation, it seems, avoids answering the question.  Do the eligibility rules state that blind athletes must come from "a part of their country where almost everyone is blind", or that the athletes sight must be limited? 

Nigeria has Commonwealth Hopes in 2010

August 2002

Nigeria may throw their hat into the 2010 Commonwealth bid ring. Sports Minister Steven Akiga has said: "Our intention is to file a bid for the games in 2010. "

Nigeria is hoping that hosting of the eighth All-African Games next year will convince selectors that Nigeria can also host  the Commonwealth Games.

Transportation Committee created for African Games

July 23, 2002

An eight member Presidential sub-committee to deal with transportation issues has been created for the 2003 All-African Games to be held in Abuja, Nigeria.

Nigeria's Minister of Transport, Chief Ojo Maduekwe will chair the committee which will be responsible for all aspects of transportation planning for the athletes, officials, guests, volunteers, organizing committee, medical staff, media and dignitaries at the games.

The committee will create a training program for the drivers who will be used during the games, and the plans for maintenance, fuel and security for the vehicles during the games.

Federation du Africaine Sport Universitaire in Abuja

June, 2002

Abuja, Nigeria hosted the meetings of FASU, the Federation du Africaine Sport Universitaire, May 19-23. 

The meetings were held with the hopes of reenergizing African University Sport. Several decisions were made, including moving the headquarters of the organization to Abuja, Electing new Executive Committee member and Algeria's Hassan Chikh as new President, and adopting new statutes for the organization.

The Nigerians also proposed that the next African University Games be held in Abuja in 2004.

Nigerian organizers implore private sector for support. 

June, 2002

The 8th All Africa Games Organizing Committee -COJA - has challenged the private sector to help with programs that would enhance youth and sports development in Nigeria. 

Executive Director, Dr. Amos Adamu, said private sector sponsorship of such projects would have direct bearing on the educational development and the enhancement of sporting potentials of the youths. 

Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said that Nigeria's Government wants to privatize the new Abuja National Stadium and five existing Federal Government owned stadia in Nigeria. 

over the years government has been running the stadia at a great loss. Abubakar wants to let the private sector to have a shot at making the stadiums, "at least self-sustaining, if not profit making."

The other stadia are, Liberty Stadium, Ibadan; Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu; Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna; Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi and the National Stadium, Lagos. 

Meanwhile the Alliance for Democracy (AD) wants the national stadium now under construction in Abuja to be named after the late sports minister, Mr. Ishaya Aku. Mr. Aku died in an airliner crash early May in Kano. 

SCSA Secretary General happy with African Games planning

May, 2002

The Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa (SCSA) Awoture Eleyea has congratulated the Nigerian organizers and Nigerian Government on the preparations to date for the 2003 All African Games in Abuja.

Eleyea said, "I am satisfied with the level of work going at the Abuja Stadium. I commended the Federal Government in ensuring that work moves at a good pace. As for the Games village, I am impressed compared to what we saw in South Africa during the last games."

A presidential task force led by Vice President Atiku Abubakar has helped to move preparations along. Eleyea had expressed concerns during his visit last year to inspect progress, but is pleased with the amount of work accomplished since that time.

Eleyea also stated that the local organizing committee (Comite Organisations Jeux Africains, (COJA) is doing a good job of promoting the games.

April, 2002

Reports have clarified that the accident at the construction site of the new National Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria, did not involve the stadium or stadium tunnel, but a trench cave-in across the road where a pedestrian bridge is being built.

Dr. Albert Ikomi, Chairman of the task force on the stadium, recently gave journalists and officials of the federal ministries of sports, works and housing, a tour of the progress of the facility.

African Games Stadium Collapse kills three

April 2002

The collapse of an entrance tunnel has killed three workers at site of the new African Games stadium being built in Abuja, Nigeria. The three workers were inspecting the tunnel when it collapsed. Concern regarding safety issues at the site has increased in recent months as workers rush to meet the deadlines set for the Stadiums completion. Work was suspended for a period of time in honor of the three workers killed: Julius Anyanwu, Alhaji Shuaibu and Raphael Orabufor.

Plans slowed for first African Games for the Deaf

March 2002

The Confederation of African Deaf Sports (CADS) has been planning to stage the First African Games for the Deaf, but have lost their office space at the National Institute for Sports in Nigeria and plans for the games have been put on hold.

CADS had been sharing space with the secretariat of the Nigerian Deaf Sports Federation but both have been evicted along with all other tenants from the gymnasium at the NIS.