The Digest:
United States-based sprinter Favour Ashe has become the latest Nigerian athlete to switch allegiance to Qatar, citing unfavourable treatment in Nigeria's athletics environment. Ashe, Nigeria's fastest sprinter in recent times with a 9.79 seconds personal best, told The Guardian he has been in Qatar for five months and is seeking "greener pastures" where he would be treated with respect and rewarded for efforts. Sunday Akintan, who recently ran 6.48secs indoors, has also reportedly switched to Qatar, which aims to build a formidable 4x100m relay team anchored by Nigerian sprinters. Ashe was embittered by his disqualification from the 100m final at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta. He warned of an impending exodus, with athletes ready to run for countries offering better compensation and year-round competition opportunities.
Key Points:
- The exodus depletes Nigeria's sprint talent pool ahead of major international competitions.
- It reflects systemic failures in athlete welfare, support, and competition opportunities.
- Qatar gains world-class sprinters, while Nigeria loses medal prospects and national pride.
- This signals the urgent need for reform in Nigeria's athletics administration and athlete care.
- The timing, ahead of Olympics and World Championships, compounds the loss.
Ashe's defection underscores a growing trend of Nigerian athletes seeking better opportunities abroad, exposing deep-rooted issues in the country's sports administration.
Sources: The Guardian
