Former Nigeria sports minister debunks Mikel John Obi’s Olympic funding claims

Former Nigeria Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, has debunked claims by ex-Super Eagles captain Mikel John Obi that he personally paid for the Nigeria football team’s travel from Atlanta to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Recall that the former Chelsea midfielder had stated that he used his own money to cover the team’s travel expenses to Brazil after the squad was reportedly stranded in the United States ahead of the tournament.

According to Mikel, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) failed to provide necessary logistics, compelling him to intervene financially.

Dalung, who served as Minister of Youth and Sports during the Rio Olympics, dismissed the claim in an interview with Omafoma Ebare, stating that no player paid for any chartered aircraft to transport the team.

“To the best of my knowledge as the Minister at the time, no player, Mikel Obi or otherwise was authorized to arrange transport for Team Nigeria to Rio.”

The former minister further clarified more on the travel arrangements for the 2016 Olympic football team. Dalung explained that while the squad faced logistical delays in Atlanta, his ministry chartered a 35-seat aircraft to take them to Brazil but then captain Mikel Obi rejected this plane, asserting it was too small for the 42-member contingent.

“The approved number for an Olympic football team was 25, and we arranged a 35-seater. When the plane arrived in Atlanta, Mikel rejected it, saying it was inadequate. This rejection was brought to the attention of then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. I explained to him that an aircraft had indeed been arranged and even submitted all supporting documents.”

He added that the team eventually traveled to Brazil aboard a Delta Airlines commercial flight, the same airline which previously flew them from Nigeria to Atlanta.

“It was Delta Airlines that airlifted the team from Atlanta to Rio as part of their contribution to Team Nigeria. At no time did any player, including Mikel Obi, pay for a chartered flight.”

The Nigerian U-23 team went on to secure a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, continuing the nation’s proud history in Olympic football competitions.