Athletes participating in the Africa Senior Athletic Championship were left stranded at Murtala Muhammad Airport and at Asaba airport, 500km south of the capital, Abuja.
The African teams of at least 200 members were unable to travel to and from the airports since the Asaba airport is unlit and no flights can leave or land at night.
It is not sounding very good in Lagos. Tired and visibly upset team Kenya are now looking at options to fly back home ASAP if they can't fly to Asaba today for Athletics champs that kick off tomorrow morning. Apparently airport in Asaba is unlit so no flights can land at night.
There had been doubts about the readiness of Asaba to host the event after it was given the rights in November 2017, but they were cleared when the President of Africa Athletics Council Kalkaba Malboum visited the area.
Photo: Facebook
“When I came here I couldn’t believe Asaba could host this event. When I visited this stadium last year, I didn’t believe this stadium would host the tournament this year. I am very happy and proud of what has been achieved,” he added.
However, not so many athletes and officials share his sentiments.
Algerian team coach, Benid Amar said, “I have participated in a lot of Africa championships, but this championship has poor organisation.”
John Matiani, South Africa’s team manager placed the blame on the local organising committee.
“We spent two days in Lagos and we arrived on 28 July. We don’t have our passports and we still don’t know where our passports are.”
There has been no official statement from organisers of the event.
Photo: Facebook
Here is how Africa reacted:
Kenya government ought to pay the national carrier - Kenya Airways - to fly back home, stranded Kenyan athletes and officials from Nigeria. The flight connection farce at Murtala Mohammed International Airport has now turned into a low-key hostage situation.
Nigeria should not be burdened with unnecessary drama like hosting the African Athletic Championship. They should be allowed to sort out their national problems without dragging everyone down with them.
Kenyan team now back in hotel after failing to fly to Asaba. pic.twitter.com/XJHMTLFzAI
