He claimed it was a decision taken by the Nigerian authorities, rather than one made by the IOC or Nanjing 2014.

But one Nigerian wrestler had been banned from competing by the IOC - along with a judoka and a swimmer from Guinea - on the grounds that the combat-based nature of the sport would boost the risk of the virus being unintentionally transferred.

It has emerged  that, although they withdrew yesterday, the team did not leave until today and had made a conscious decision not to attend the Closing Ceremony.

There is still a fear of the Ebola outbreak affecting athletes from other countries here in Nanjing ©Getty Images



Ayo Otepola, Nigeria's Consul General in Shanghai, who travelled here to coordinate his country's "orderly withdrawal" from the Games, claimed China's approach was much harsher than how Scotland had tackled it at the recent Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

It is alleged Nigerian athletes were isolated and barred from training due to concerns over Ebola.

''The athletes complained of total stigmatisation, they were quarantined and this action demoralised them," Otempola told the News Agency of Nigeria.

"One of them said the treatment was like that of someone carrying Ebola virus and they were being treated everywhere with suspicion.

''They were also required to submit themselves twice every day for medical examination.

"This is unusual because they had been examined initially at the port of entry and on arrival at the Games Village."

Speaking when announcing the withdrawal, President Bach expressed his sadness at an "extremely difficult situation".

He added: "We have been informed that the team from Nigeria want to go home.

"They have to follow these decisions by the Government and obviously the Nigerian Government has decided in this way and again we feel very sad for the athletes.

"For them it must be extremely, extremely difficult.

"They are living in the Olympic Village right now, feeling the spirit of the YOG and then having to leave.

"This is very, very difficult and we feel for them.

"But we will not forget them.

"They will be invited to come back and we will show them that we stand at their side but we respect the decision of the Government in these circumstances."

Nigeria had sent a team of 11 athletes and seven officials led by Dr Abdulkadir Mu'azu, director of the Sports Medicine Department of the National Sports Commission.

In addition to Sierra Leone and Liberia, the other country affected by the epidemic is Guinea, and the two remaining members of their team are still expected to compete here later in the Games.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
August 2014: Nigeria withdrawal from Nanjing 2014 because of Ebola crisis confirmed by IOC President
August 2014: Liberia withdraw and three athletes barred from competing as Nanjing 2014 Ebola fear rises
August 2014: Exclusive: Safety of competitors at Nanjing 2014 most important thing claims IOC after Ebola withdrawals
August 2014: Ebola crisis forces Nigeria and Sierra Leone out of Nanjing 2014