Ado Salisu
The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa, has reaffirmed the Federation’s resolve to ensure Nigeria’s elite athletes achieve podium finishes at next year’s Commonwealth Games.
Chief Okowa stated this shortly after a strategic stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja, where preparations and key takeaways from the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, were extensively reviewed.
According to him, the AFN — in partnership with its sponsors and with continued support from the National Sports Commission (NSC) — is committed to providing athletes with the necessary support in training, welfare, logistics, and other essential areas.
“We commend our athletes for giving Nigeria a positive image in Tokyo,” Okowa said. “The country reached four finals — the men’s 100m, women’s 100m hurdles, men’s 400m hurdles (where a national record was set), men’s 200m, and the men’s shot put — and capped it all with a silver medal. For us in the AFN, it was a huge achievement.”
The AFN President emphasized that efforts are underway to fulfill promises made to the athletes ahead of the Commonwealth Games. He noted that with the right support, the potential of Nigerian athletes remains unquestionable, urging them to remain patient as the Federation finalizes key arrangements.
Okowa also expressed confidence in the current form of top athletes such as Tobi Amusan, Udodi Onwuzurike, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Sunday Israel Okon, and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, stating that the AFN is determined to surpass its previous performance.
Addressing logistical challenges, Okowa disclosed that the Federation is working to resolve lingering issues related to athletes’ visas and kits by engaging reputable stakeholders and international sportswear manufacturers. He explained that the partnership with Hi-Racer during the Tokyo Championships was only a temporary measure.
He further appealed to the media to continue projecting Nigerian athletes positively, stressing that consistent encouragement would boost their morale and inspire better performances on the global stage.
Chief Okowa concluded by expressing appreciation to the AFN board members, sponsors, the media, and other stakeholders for their unwavering support toward the growth and development of athletics in Nigeria.