Former Nigerian sprinter Deji Aliu has said the increasing trend of Nigerian athletes switching international allegiance will continue unless there is a deliberate effort to fix the country’s sporting structure.
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The former Olympic bronze medallist explained that many athletes are left without support at critical stages of their careers, forcing them to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
“In most cases, these athletes are abandoned and left alone to make something out of their careers without any real support,” Aliu said.
“Athletes have very short peak years, and they also need something to fall back on after retirement.”
Aliu stressed that without proper planning, welfare and post-career security, athletes will continue to prioritise personal survival over national loyalty.
