The Athletics Federation of Nigeria has cautioned Nigerian athletes and their families against signing scholarship agreements with agents or agencies without first understanding the terms, warning that some deals could be detrimental to their education, careers and long-term interests.
AFN President Tonobok Okowa said the federation is closely monitoring agreements involving Nigerian athletes and will intervene where such deals are considered detrimental to the athlete or the interests of Nigeria.
This comes on the heels of allegations of risky clauses and extortion by an agency reportedly tying down athletes to five-year deals and taking 25 per cent of their earnings.
According to reports, a contract with the agency gives it exclusive authority to liaise with universities, compliance offices and sponsors on an athlete’s behalf, with 25 per cent of all proceeds related to secured financial obligations going to the agency.
Okowa, who is also a Senior Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics, said the welfare of athletes remains a key component of the federation’s responsibilities.
