By Daily Sports on August 7, 2016

The non-arrival of Team Nigeria’s official ceremonial outfits in Rio de Janeiro, which ‘forced’ athletes to appear in tracksuits during the opening ceremony of the 2016 Olympics Games Friday, has sparked a controversy between top officials of the Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) and the sports ministry.

Team Nigeria members were to wear official attires during their parade at Maracana Stadium for the opening ceremony. But this did not happen.

Rather, the athletes came out in tracksuits, an appearance that took many sports-loving Nigerians by surprise. There were reports yesterday that the attires made for Team Nigeria for the opening ceremony could not make it to the Olympics Games venue in Rio.

While some Nigerians voiced their anger on various sports programmes on radio and television, other took to social media to express their disappointment. They call for immediate probe of the circumstances that led to the embarrassment.

Speaking with The Guardian yesterday, an official of the NOC claimed ignorance of the attires made for Team Nigeria for the opening ceremony.

However, The Guardian was able to get across to the NOC President, Engr. Habu Gumel, in Rio at about 2:30 p.m. (Nigerian time), and he responded by saying: “I am going into a meeting with the Honourable minister now. I will get back to you soon.”

Gumel never called back as he promised. He also refused to pick subsequent calls put across to him by The Guardian.

Meanwhile, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki has been reported to have called for investigation into the circumstances behind the Dream Team’s delayed departure from Atlanta to Brazil for the Rio Olympic Games.

•Photo shows Team Nigeria athletes during the opening ceremony of the 2016 Olympics Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Source Daily Sports

Posted August 7, 2016

Gambia And Mali Draw To Close In On...

Nwaneri to sign record-breaking Arsenal deal after City...

Silva Ready To Sign New Chelsea Deal

Tiger Woods One-Over Through Nine in 3rd Round...

Ranieri urges respect for returning Kante

Arteta Provides Update On Tierney & Partey Ahead...