What began as a grievance over meal-time humiliation has now escalated into a full-blown crisis for coaches preparing for the 22nd National Sports Festival.
Following a controversial feeding arrangement where coaches were told to eat after athletes, another devastating blow has hit the technical teams: many may now be homeless during the festival in Abeokuta.
Despite a meeting called to calm tensions over the feeding issue that erupted on Monday, May 12, new revelations have emerged that some states have no accommodation plans for coaches. In a move described by many as shameful, several state contingents are now asking coaches to “sort out their own lodging” separately, as only athletes and selected officials have been considered in official accommodation budgets.
One coach, bitter with disbelief, said: “We’re not even considered part of the delegation anymore? First, we eat last. Now, we’re not even getting beds to sleep on? What are we going to Abeokuta for — to coach or to suffer?”
Sources within the camps say that some states have already instructed their logistics personnel to head into Ogun State and find lodging only for athletes and high-ranking officials. Coaches have reportedly been told informally to “find their way” once they arrive.
Another coach vented: “They want us to carry our bags and go from house to house in Abeokuta looking for where to sleep? This is pure wickedness. Are we volunteers or professional staff?”
Let it be clearly stated that the Ogun State government, as host, is not responsible for this failure. The problem lies with the states participating in the festival, who are failing to make adequate arrangements for their own coaches — the very individuals who have trained and prepared athletes for success.
This unfolding scenario underscores a widening gap between sports administration and the technical backbones — the coaches — who nurture and prepare the athletes. If unresolved, the scandal could have damaging consequences, both for team performance and for the reputation of participating states.
The National Sports Festival is meant to be a celebration of excellence, unity, and dignity. But if this troubling trend continues, it risks being remembered for all the wrong reasons
