Nigeria athlete and Big Brother Naija star, Mike Edwards has come out to call for financial support for Nigerian athletes by the athletic authorities in Nigeria.
He made this know while addressing press men after the just concluded national trials held in Edo State capital, Benin City. The TV reality show participant earlier emerged as champion in the men’s high jump as he reclaimed his title and as well, break a 27-year record. Mike became the first medal winner for the high jump event in 27 years for Nigeria.
Recounting his ordeals as an athlete, he has been in the dark for the past four years, and being in shape for recent Championships is really something of a blessing. he claimed previous failures gave him the determination to do well this season and have a season’s best to cap it all up.
One major aspect of athletics he dealt with is the inadequate financial support for Nigerian athletes. He feels if athletes are supported financially, it will make Nigeria achieve better results. “Athletes are not having a voice, they are not able to support themselves and their families and I think I have a platform now to talk about this.
The Nigerian champion feels that his winning has paved way for him to be heard by the appropriate quarters “This is intentional. I knew I had to get the job done first because if I didn’t win, nobody will listen to me. There needs to be a massive change from top to bottom. If they want us to produce better results and medals, they need to support us financially. There needs to be a funding program in place.
“It will be ridiculous to say the medals are enough motivation. We need more than medal motivation we need money motivation. I hope the right people hear this because there needs to be a change in the structure. If anybody gets injured, that is it. I am not saying this because of celebrity status. I am not afraid of anybody and I will speak my mind and the truth.
The super jumper is expected to qualify for the Common Wealth Games as well as the world championship with his superb performance later this year.
