S-H-A-M-E: Nigeria to hire doctors in Beijing - Gimba cuts medical team to 3

By Saliu Gbadamosi - 22.07.2008

Full Flight! Super Eagles of Nigeria’s
defender, Danny ShittuMORE ground is being prepared for Team Nigeria’s imminent failure at the coming Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Tribunesports can report.

Tribunesports learnt on Monday on good authority that the Minister/Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Barrister Abdulrahaman Gimba, has ordered a cut down on the number of medical doctors going to Beijing with the Nigerian contingent.

A very reliable source informed that Gimba had ordered that only three doctors should accompany the contingent to the Olympic Games, saying that more should be hired in China.

The source wondered why the chairman could take such decision, saying that it does not make any economic sense since there are competent medical doctors with the commission.

“The directive of the minister baffles me. Truth is, it doesn’t make any ecomonic sense. How could he have ordered that only three doctors should accompany Team Nigeria to China? Three doctors, when there are many competent doctors with the NSC. The decision is irrational,” said the source.

“How on earth can only three doctors manage the whole contingent, comprising athletes and their officials? Hiring doctors in China mean spending more money. Don’t forget that those doctors will be paid in foreign currency.”

When Tribunesports got in touch with the Press Secretary to the NSC, Tony Ohaeri, for the commission’s reaction, he said he was busy and would call back, which he never did at the time of going to press.