AKURE- The Ondo government has denied that late release of fund was responsible for the poor performance of the state’s contingent to the National Open Handball Tournament in Benin City.
The state’s U-15 and U-12 male and female handball teams finished third in each of the categories.
Tosin Ogunmoyela, General Manager, Ondo State Sports Council (ODSSC), made the denial over the weekend in Akure.
A member of the teams’ technical crew earlier told newsmen on
condition of anonymity that they were not mobilised well.
“Had the teams been mobilised ahead of the competition, we would have performed better,” he said.
However, in a swift reaction, Ogunmoyela said the teams were “crying wolf where there is none”, stating that funds were released when it was available.
He said they encountered teams that were better than them and so were just looking for excuses.
“Don’t mind their flimsy excuses, we released money to them when it was available.
“They obviously met teams that were stronger and better than them and so are making excuses,” said Ogunmoyela.
On when the state athlete would go into closed camping for the National Sport Festival in Kaduna in November,
Ogunmoyela said next week.
“Approval has been given but we are still waiting for money so, I will say hopefully next week,” he said.
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