$150,000 ‘unaccounted for’ as another financial scandal rocks AFN

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) is enmeshed in another $150,000 scandal as grant received from the World Athletics.

This is coming less than two months after Sunday Dare, minister of sports and youth development, ordered that the AFN repay $65,000 as balance of overpayment to it by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).

The grant, according to NAN, was meant to assist the federation in the hosting of the 21st African Championships in Athletics held in Asaba, Delta state, in August 2018.

The fund, is, however, reportedly unaccounted for.

“The money has yet to be accounted for and board members of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) will be looking to unravel the mystery surrounding the money when they hold their board meeting in Abuja on Tuesday,” NAN quoted an anonymous board member as saying.

“The money went through an improper channel with the AFN secretariat not having any evidence of the payment.

“Findings reveal that the money was paid into a private account which could not have been possible without the authorisation of the President or Secretary-General of the AFN.”

The source was also quoted as saying the leadership of the AFN had committed many infractions, which include the details of the contract the federation has with kits manufacturer, PUMA, which is “shrouded in secrecy”.

“The insinuations are rife that former two-time AFN President, Solomon Ogba, may be recalled by his constituency, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development,” the source said.

“Ogba was brought in at the last minute to replace former Olympian, Ahmed Adio to fill the Ex-Officio slot on the board. Ogba hitherto was not inaugurated when 12 others were inaugurated in July 2017.

“The officials at the Sports Ministry insist he was originally penciled for the slot and should be inaugurated by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development.

“Many of them feel justice must be served even if delayed for over two years. The rumored reshuffling by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development could take place as early as this week.”