By Flinster Austin
Published on 2024-02-03 03:36:21
The Pre-Africa Games event in Abuja is set to end today, and Chairman of the Competitions Organising Committee of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (rtd), is calling on all stakeholders to support the federation in achieving its goal of delivering the best-ever results at the upcoming Africa Games in Ghana and the Olympic Games in Paris, France. Nesiama emphasized the importance of unity among all athletics-loving Nigerians and assured that the committee is working in line with best practices to achieve its mandate.
Nesiama’s statement comes in response to what some board members view as misinformation from some of the board members who have been inciting the athletes against the board. This week, a leading AFN board member issued a press statement expressing dissatisfaction with the N40,000 prize money being offered for the Federation’s Evaluation Meets. In light of this, Nesiama stressed the importance of proving that, with limited funds, the committee can organize high-quality competitions. He also emphasized the need to clean up the federation’s operations before approaching potential sponsors.
AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, further reiterated the federation’s commitment to staying focused and not being distracted by any “side talk” in the lead up to the Africa Games and the Olympics. Okowa emphasized the importance of the upcoming assignments and the need for high levels of concentration among the athletes. He also urged those seeking to cause trouble within the board or distract the athletes from giving their best to stay away.
The Evaluation Meets, which began on Friday at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, is the first pre-Africa Games competition organized by the AFN. The event, which will conclude today, saw participation from over 500 athletes from 27 states and various Athletics Clubs. Notable athletes, such as veteran 400m runner Patience Okon George, were present.
AFN Technical Director, Samuel Onikeku, explained that the purpose of the competition is to select athletes for the AFN camp for the Africa Games. He expressed satisfaction with the athletes’ response and their hunger and enthusiasm for competition. Onikeku also highlighted the events to be featured on Day 2 of the competition, including the finals for the 400m and 200m for men and women, as well as the 400m hurdles and sprint events.
As the Pre-Africa Games event in Abuja comes to a close, the AFN remains focused on delivering exceptional results. The plea for unity and support from stakeholders is crucial in ensuring the success of the federation’s ambitions for the upcoming Africa Games and the Olympic Games.
