Nigerian chef de mission raises security concerns, praises Village

NEW DELHI - Nigerian chef de mission Elias Usman Gora Monday said there was need for “better coordination” in the respect of security for the Games but praised the rooms and facilities at the Village as “the best ever in any Commonwealth Games”.

“There are a lot of security personnel but then there should be better coordination. For the fast and safe movement of athletes and officials, coordination has to be made better. The drivers are not literate along with not knowing the city. We expect them to at least know the city. This is a security risk,” Gora told IANS.

Putting all controversies to rest, Gora said he is happy with the accommodation at the Games Village.

He said: “The rooms are the best ever provided in any other Commonwealth Games. The food is also great. The international zone is a great place.”

“When we arrived here we had mountains of problems in the Village. But now things have changed, we have managed to work in harmony with the Organising Committee of the Games. The challenges have been met and we (104 participants and 54 officials) are residents at the Village now,” he said.

An eight-member delegation from Nigeria, including Gora, arrived in Delhi a week ago to attend the delegation registration meetings ahead of the Games to be held Oct 3-14, and had raised concerns about hygiene, safety and security at the Village along with Australia, Canada, New Zealand and some other countries.

Six coaches from the Nigerian delegation will inspect the Games facilities and submit a report to Gora Tuesday on safety, security and health concerns.

“They will particularly inspect the newly constructed facilities… We are sure India will not provide bad facilities,” he added.