The Deputy President of South Africa Athletics Federation, John Mathane, has dismissed reports that his country’s athletes vacated the Games Village in Mowe-Ibafo, Ogun State, due to poor living conditions, saying their decision was purely tactical.
Contrary to a South African newspaper report alleging that the athletes moved out due to the “inhabitable” state of the accommodations, Mathane explained that the team opted to stay closer to the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta to limit travel time and reduce distractions from their Nigerian counterparts.
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“We have absolutely nothing against the accommodations provided — we were glad with it,” Mathane said. “We removed ourselves from the village because Nigeria is following us too much. In training they are there, even when we go to the restroom they are there,” he joked.
He added that their relocation was part of a broader strategy aimed at helping their athletes conserve energy and focus entirely on the competition. “It had nothing to do with discomfort or complaints. Nigeria has been a wonderful host,” Mathane clarified.
“As a matter of fact, we left the Games Village for tactical reasons so that the Nigerian athletes would not discover our winning secret,” he said light-heartedly.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) has commended Nigeria for its seamless organization of the African Junior Athletics Championships, especially on short notice.
Speaking at a press briefing, CAA Executive Secretary Mr. Lamine Faty lauded the Nigerian organizing team, led by the National Sports Council (NSC) under Hon. Bukola Olopade, for their transparency, energy, and professionalism.
“With each passing day of the championship, Nigeria continues to show not only its prowess on the track but also its maturity in administration and hospitality,” Faty said. “Hon. Olopade and the NSC have turned every challenge into a victory lap, reaffirming the nation’s stature as a reliable powerhouse in African athletics.”
The African Junior Athletics Championships have so far witnessed high-level competition and remarkable performances from across the continent, with Nigeria playing both host and standout competitor.
