AFN pledges memorable African Games in Ghana

Posted : 01 February 2024

The Chairman of the Competitions Organizing Committee of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Retired Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, says the Federation is focused on delivering the best-ever results at the forthcoming Africa Games in Ghana and the Olympic Games slated for the French capital, Paris, later in the year.

Omatseye Nesiama made this submission in Lagos.

“I want all athletics-loving Nigerians to know that we are a fresh Committee dealing with a fresh mandate, and we are doing things in line with best practices.”

Nesiama, a former Technical Director of the AFN, stated that the Federation was very focused on achieving its set goals and objectives.

Earlier, AFN's first Vice President, Tafida Gadzama, who has been stoking the fire of disunity among some very few members and athletes, said that the N40,000 top money for the AFN Evolution Meet in Abuja was inadequate.

“It will interest you to know that Gadzama, who has not initiated any sponsorship deal or opened up any platform to support the Federation since the inauguration of the current board, said the AFN does not have any excuse for not paying between N100,000 and N150,000 for first-placed athletes in the coming event.

Nesiama explained: “We have to clean up the stable and also prove that with little funds we can manage and organize quality competitions.”

“This new approach by the AFN will restore confidence, integrity, and trust that all sponsors look for.

“They will be confident to deal with us. The leadership and members of the various committees put in place by the AFN Board last month are known to have the right pedigree and track records to deliver,” Omatseye Nesiama added.

In the same vein, the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tonobok Okowa, said that the body would not be distracted by aimless ‘side talk’ as they tie all the loose ends and tick the right boxes in their preparation towards the Africa Games and the Olympics.

“We have some important assignments ahead of us, and the AFN is focused on delivering more than ever before.

“Those people whose aim is to cause trouble within the board or distract the athletes from giving their best should stay away.

“The athletes are moving into camp soon, and they need a high level of concentration,” Okowa stated.

It's noteworthy to state that a good number of members of Team Nigeria Athletics in the USA and Europe have been returning excellent timing this season ahead of three major international events, the African Games, World Indoor Championship, and the Olympics.

AFN pledges memorable African Games in Ghana

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