By Ben Efe

A number of Nigerian athletes based overseas  have accused the Athletics Federation of Nigeria of withholding their winnings at the Mobil track and field championships since 2007.

But the AFN has washed its hands off the episode and pointed fingers at the consultant who acted on behalf of meet sponsor, Mobil.
“Since 2007 I haven’t been paid winnings at the Mobil Championships. Several times I tried to get reasons to why there is a delay, but I cannot get any,” said one of the affected athlete.

Former national heptatlon champion, Patience Itanyi who is the go-between the athletes and the AFN confirmed the development.
“About nine athletes that I know, have not been paid. They include Vivian Chukwuemeka, I don’t know what is happening, I think the best place to ask is at the AFN,” Itanyi said.

However, AFN secretary-general, Maria Wophil said yesterday that the AFN has nothing to do with it.
“I think the best person to ask is the consultant to Mobil. This is because we are not responsible for the payment of the athletes.

“I think the cheques were issued by Mobil and they are with the consultant. It could be because these athletes who are based in the US do not have local bank accounts, where they could cash their cheques. The money is paid in local currency,” said Mrs. Wophil.