The sports ministry has explained the situation surrounding the alleged last-minute ordering of kits for Team Nigeria athletes at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which started last night with the opening ceremony at the Alexander Stadium.
A report by BBC News surfaced today that Team Nigeria officials ordered for kits from an England-based sportswear manufacturer only on Tuesday, three days before competition began, after they had been let down by their supplier.
However, the sports ministry explained later in the day that it already had kits weeks before the Games, and the late order did not come from it (the ministry).
“About 300 Team Nigeria kits were delivered over two weeks ago and have since been issued to almost all the athletes,” a statement shared by a senior media aide to sports minister Sunday Dare, Toyin Ibitoye, reads.
“These kits which are the general kits procured by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, as is the practice, have since been issued to the athletes.
“These include track suits, house wear, sneakers, face caps, back packs, trolley bags, shorts, and ceremonial wear.”
The statement asserts that there is proof the the sports ministry procured kits in time, and that the arrangement with the England-based sportswear manufacturer must have been made by one of the sports federations.
“Team Nigeria athletes have since been donning them in Birmingham as was evident at Thursday night’s opening ceremony and other team functions,” the statement adds.
“However, the competition kits for each federation differ. Each federation produces specific competition kits for its athletes.
“The ministry is aware that federations have their own arrangements with different manufacturers with different delivery times and expectations which is being monitored very closely.
“We hope this clarification helps to put the matter in perspective so that all distractions to Team Nigeria athletes and officials are avoided.”
There are 94 athletes representing Nigeria in nine sports at the Games.
