Uzor Odigbo. Posted to the web November 7, 2001 in
AllAfrica.com
The hitherto strong relationship between Nigeria and Cuba which has remained
dormant since 1994 is on the verge of revival following contacts by officials of
both countries in Lagos.
The development was disclosed by tecnical director of the Athletic
Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Professor Andrew Ajidua who was among the officials
that brokered the first deal that had long expired.
Ajidua told THISDAYSports in chat in Lagos that the courtesy call paid by
members of AFN board on the Cuban Embassy officials Tuesday was aimed at
impressing the latter on the need to revive the sports pact which he said had
helped to boost performance of athletes in the past. AFN President Dan Ngerem
who led the delegation to Cuban Embassy, expressed hope that the effort to
revive the bi-lateral relations would yield desired results.
He stressed that the last batch of Cuban officials that assisted Nigerian
athletes performed excellently, a development he said had enabled athletes like
Glory Alozie, among others, attain their current height in the individual
events.
Ngerem reiterated the desire of Cuban Embassy officials in the pact revival
and assured that the Sports Minister Ishaya Mark Aku would be elated at the
efforts so far made by both countries. When reminded that the last Cuban
technical officials were owed salary arrears of several months, the AFN boss
said: "We have a Minister who believes in high performance through gradual
development of athletes."
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