There are fresh hopes that the reward expected for the Nigerian gold medallists in the 4x400m relay race at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games would be announced by the Presidency soon.
Nigeria had won silver in the race after USA clinched the gold. But investigation revealed several years after that the Americans had used performance- enhancing drugs and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ordered the retrieval of the gold medal last year and re-awarded it to Nigeria.
The development had caused widespread jubilation among the Nigerian athletes and their families who include the late Sunday Baba whose wife, Sumbo, described the milestone as "a dream come true."
When President Goodluck Jonathan hosted some athletes recently in Abuja for their feats in recent times, however, the Sydney heroes were omitted, raising questions on the possibility of them getting their due recongition. But Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, has told National Mirror that the athletes have not been forgotten.
"There is no disclaiming the fact that the Sydney heroes did Nigeria proud and deserve their reward," Abdullahi said. "The ministry has since taken delivery of the gold medal from the Nigeria Olympic Committee and has forwarded them to the Presidency. "We await a response from the Presidency after which we would contact the athletes accordingly, but I expect we would get the response soon."
Abdullahi, whose tenure since November 2011 has ensured adequate compensation for Nigeria's sports representatives, however declined giving details on the reward to be accorded the Sydney gold medallists.
"At this moment, I cannot say anything until the Presidency comes up with its declaration. Suffices it that everyone just awaits further development," he submitted.
The beneficiaries of the impending government largesse are Clement Chukwu, Jude Monye, late Sunday Bada and Enefiok Udo-Obong who ran in the final, as well as Nduka Awazie and Fidelis Gadzama who were in the reserve list.
