Coaches and officials of Team Anambra to the 18th National Sports Festival in Lagos yesterday warned that non-payment of their allowances could mar their chances at the Games.

The officials said that the non-payment of their travel allowances and the hardships they faced since their arrival in Lagos, was already affecting them psychologically.

They said that they had exhausted the money they came with, since they have been feeding themselves and that no payment had been made to them regarding their trip or stay in Lagos.

According to the officials who were unanimous in their complaints but preferred anonymity, the state government is not paying for their meal tickets.

The officials expressed concern that in spite of assurances by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr Edozie Aroh, who visited them often, no money had been paid to them.

The coaches regretted the situation and warned that the development could mar their chances of winning medals at the Games.

Reacting to the development, Aroh said that Anambra government through his ministry had approved funds for every member of the contingent and that he had since mandated the accounts department to effect payment.

He said that the Accounts Director, Mrs Nneka Nwadiogbu, had been in Lagos about four days before the arrival of the contingent as a member of the advance party.

Aroh added that the advance party was to ensure a hitch-free settlement of the team in Lagos upon arrival, but wondered why people were still complaining of not being paid.

NAN