Lagos, Jan 10 (IANS) Nigerian athletes have been locked out of the National Stadium and the Teslim Balogun Stadium, both in southwest Nigeria’s Lagos state, in view of the nationwide strike by the labor unions to protest petrol subsidy removal.

The athletes, including tennis players, boxers, footballers, basketballers and volleyball players from different academies, had to train Monday under a motorists’ bridge in front of the stadiums, taking advantage of the non-vehicular traffic caused by the strike.

The athletes were already making bonfires in front of the stadiums before policemen dispersed them.

A professional tennis player Sunday Olufemi said when they arrived for training, they found the stadium gates locked and were advised by the gatemen to wait as they would be let in later, reports Xinhua.

“We know that labour leaders have asked Nigerians to begin a nationwide strike but we felt we could use the opportunity to train and improve our skills,” he said.

He said the athletes were in support of the strike, so long as the government and the unions agreed on what is good and will reduce the suffering of the people.