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Nigeria’s Sports Minister decries treatment of Osimhen, Amusan, promises intervention

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Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, John Owan-Enoh, has promised to use all avenues including employing diplomatic channels to protect Nigerian athletes, especially those competing abroad.

Owan-Enoh, who made the vow in an interaction with sports journalists in Abuja, said he was particularly saddened by recent developments surrounding Super Eagles and Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen and world record holder in the 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, saying he was committed to protecting Nigerian stars in any part of the world.

Osimhen was recently the target of a controversial TikTok video posted by his club where he was allegedly mocked after he missed a penalty in a Serie A match against Bologna, while Amusan is still embroiled in a running battle with the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after a provisional suspension slammed on her for missing three mandatory drug tests was lifted prior to the last World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary.

Amusan was initially provisionally suspended for missing three whereabouts tests within 12 months but had the suspension lifted after she successfully argued her case before an independent panel.

But not satisfied with the ruling, the AIU filed an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), seeking a conviction for Amusan on anti-doping offence which could be detrimental to her career.

In a statement issued at the end of the press parley, the Sports Minister said:

“Over the past week, the developments that came out of Napoli as it pertains to Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen saddened me greatly. The travails of Tobi Amusan have been no less so. This necessitated why last week, I made efforts to reach her directly.

“Moreso, my office is making efforts to reach Victor Osimhen directly as well, so as to understand firsthand what the issues are. We are committed to establishing the facts of the matter.

“I am also in touch with the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, as well as the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Italy, Ambassador Mfawa Abam. Together, we are employing diplomatic avenues with Italy for a more decorous approach in looking into the matter as it is.

“Under the present administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are committed to ensuring our sportsmen and women are accorded the respect they deserve and are not exposed to injustice, discrimination, and unfair trolling, that could be detrimental to their career trajectory.

“Upon assumption of office, I made it abundantly clear, in words and deeds that the welfare of our athletes, be they home-based or foreign-based, would be our topmost priority, as we create the environment that enables and ensures their continued success.”

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Kenyan marathon legend Kipchoge advises young athletes to prioritize success over money

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Kenyan marathon legend, Eliud Kipchoge, has advised young athletes to place success ahead of quick money and riches.

The former world marathon record holder who gave the admonition in an interview with TelecomAsiaSport, urged upcoming athletes to prioritise their careers and personal values over the lure of fast money

He noted that in light of rising mental health concerns and growing cases of doping in sports, young athletes must to shift their focus from chasing quick financial gains to building lasting careers with integrity and resilience.

Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and celebrated for his record-breaking marathon runs, said since retiring from the sport, he has dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of sportsmen and women.

“I am trying to talk to the young people because no one has really gone under the skin of athletes,” he said.

‘There is a lot going on under their skins but above all we need to sensitise them that life is not all about money.

“You need to have your own values as a person, and that is what should drive you,” Kipchoge emphasised.

He added that his hopes are to use his influence to guide young athletes in prioritising personal values, mental well-being, and career longevity over the fleeting allure of fame and money.

The marathon great reiterated that he is deeply concerned with the current state of affairs, especially as he sees the tragic impacts of depression and substance abuse on those who struggle to cope.

He made particular reference to the deaths of young athletes who succumbed to the pressures of the industry, citing the tragic death of former world Under-20 champion, Kipyegon Bett, who passed away after battling depression and alcoholism, according to close family members.

He also mentioned the demise o Clement Kemboi, a former All Africa Games steeplechase champion, who was found to have taken his own life at his home in Iten.

“I will still continue talking to them. And if all of us can come together and get our minds together, we can get rid of these things. It is unfortunate that we can lose athletes at such a young age, and it is more unfortunate that we can have young people get into depression and die.”

He attributes much of the current doping crisis to the culture of seeking quick, easy money, rather than focusing on building a reputation of dedication and integrity, adding that he has witnessed how the pressure for financial success can steer young athletes down dangerous paths, often leading to doping as a shortcut to fame and prosperity.

Despite the challenges, Kipchoge said he remains hopeful that a positive shift is possible if athletes receive the right mentorship and guidance early in their careers.

“There is a need for athletes to understand that a fulfilling life extends beyond medals and money. The fame and fortune are secondary to the peace and pride of knowing you did it the right way,” he concluded.

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South Africa’s FA president Danny Jordaan arrested on fraud, theft allegations

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The President of South African Football Association (SAFA), Danny Jordaan, has been arrested on allegations of fraud and theft.

Jordaan, who was pivotal to the country hosting the first-ever FIFA World Cup tournament in Africa in 2010, is being accused of using about R1.3 million ($72,372) of SAFA funds to hire a PR firm and a private security company for his personal benefit.

His arrest follows a raid carried out by the country’s Special Investigating Unit (SPU) at the offices of SAFA in March where it was alleged that an assortment of electronic gadgets and files were seized for further investigation, thus leading to the arrest.

SA Police spokesperson, Katlego Mogale, who confirmed Jordaan’s arrest, told journalists that he was
arrested along with one other official and a businessman and are expected to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

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