Some of Africa’s most accomplished athletes have been sleeping on the floor of the Muritala Mohammed International Airport for two days after they failed to get connecting flights from the commercial city to southern state of Delta.
Athletes who were begin to kick off Africa Atheltics Championship now tagged #Asaba2018 in Delta on Wednesday were left frustrated by lack of organisation and coordination on the part of the host, Delta State Government and the airlines responsible for their connecting flights.
According to reports from Kenya, their contingent have now officially pulled out of the Games after spending two nights at the airport.
Athletes from South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Morocco and other parts of Africa have been stranded as well with some expected to compete Wednesday morning.
At least over 300 athletes from 20 countries were stuck at the Lagos Airport, with many not knowing how to connect Asaba for the African Senior Athletics Championships.
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Ghanaian sports journalist Saddick Adams Obama also confirmed that Kenya was ditching the Games. “Africa Atheltics Championship starts tomorrow in Asaba, Nigeria but several teams are still stuck at the Lagos Airport. No flights.
“Team Kenya have decided to fly back to Nairobi if they fail to conect to Asaba. Ghana have arrived in Asaba but not without troubles,” he said.
Sports producer Katami Michelle also expressed utter disgust at the handling of the athletes. “Moroccan high jumper Rhizlane Siba, 2014 African champion talking about their experiences in Nigeria.
“Athletes being stranded at the airport for 3 nights is UNACCEPTABLE,” she tweeted.
Moroccan highjumper Rhizlane Siba, 2014 African champion talking about their experiences in Nigeria..Athletes being stranded at the airport for 3 nights is UNACCEPTABLE. Nigeria such a disappointment. They knew they were hosting Africa Athletics Championships.. #Asaba2018 pic.twitter.com/uZxrDFgOZD
— Katami Michelle (@MichKatami) July 31, 2018
These pictures of teams stranded at the airport is sickening. The competition starts tomorrow. I see Kenya, Burundi @FrancineNiyons4 Eriteria and Burkina Faso.. ( Pix @magayijim ).. #Asaba2018 pic.twitter.com/mLijS46QlR
— Katami Michelle (@MichKatami) July 31, 2018
Journalist Usher Komugisha described the situation as “Nigeria has done a very POOR job with the organization of flights”.
Chaos in Nigeria ????????!
Over 300 athletes from 20 countries stuck at Lagos Airport & don’t know when they’ll head to Asaba for the African Senior Athletics Championships.
Nigeria has done a very POOR job with the organization of flights! Look at Team Uganda ????????! #Asaba2018 pic.twitter.com/u6VccK7jLh
— Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha) July 31, 2018
CNN African Journalist of the Year, Evelyn Watta described the problem as a “fine mess”.
It's a fine mess down at Lagos as athletes wait for hours, I understand others have clocked days there waiting for chartered flights #asaba2018 pic.twitter.com/lrqIqkQKLq
— Evelyn Watta (@evelynwatta) July 31, 2018
LATEST: @Athletics_Kenya ???????? threatens to quit the Africa Senior Athletics Championships. Team has been held at Lagos domestic airport with no flights to Asaba since midday (local time) yesterday. So many other teams including Uganda ???????? affected. #Asaba2018 pic.twitter.com/h5LmcGLwXp
— Darren Allan Kyeyune (@AllanDarren) July 31, 2018
#Asaba2018
THE KENYAN TEAN IS SAFE. ABOUT TWENTY HAVE ALREADY BEEN AIRLIFTED TO ASABA. THE REMAINNING 40 ARE IN A HOTEL WAITING TO BE AIRLFTED TOMORROW. THERE IS AN OFFICER FROM THE KENYA EMBASY IN ABUJA ASSISTING THE TEAM.— Amb. Dr. W.G Machage???????? (@gmachage) July 31, 2018
As at press time, the organisers and airlines have not offered any reasons for the lack of connecting flights neither have they apologised to the athletes and their sports federation.
