By Flinster Austin
Published on 2024-03-23 04:05:14
The 13th African Games in Ghana have seen impressive performances from Nigerian athletes, leading to praise from Premium Trust Bank, the lead sponsor of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). The bank, known for its financial commitment to AFN, also boasts world record holder in 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, and world silver medalist in the long jump, Ese Brume, as brand ambassadors.
Bukola Olopade, the Managing Director of Nilayo Sports and chief consultant for both Premium Trust Bank and AFN, commended the top performances by Amusan, Brume, and other Nigerian athletes in Ghana. Amusan, dubbed Africa’s best track and field star, showcased her talent by winning two gold medals in the 100m hurdles and anchoring Nigeria’s 4x100m relay to a gold medal. Ese Brume also proved her prowess as Africa’s best long jumper by retaining her African Games title with a leap of 6.92m, becoming the first Nigerian woman since 1978 to successfully defend a long jump title at the Games.
“I just spoke with some top officials of Premium Trust Bank, and they are full of praise for our athletes and the AFN leadership,” Olopade stated. “This means that Premium Trust Bank is willing to invest more in its sponsorship with the AFN to ensure better results at the upcoming African Championship in Cameroun and the Paris Olympic Games. Despite challenges within the AFN board, the impressive performance in Ghana has silenced critics and motivated continued support from sponsors. As a consultant to the AFN, Nilayo Sports Management is committed to supporting Nigerian athletes.”
The success of Nigerian athletes at the African Games has heightened expectations for future international competitions, with Premium Trust Bank reaffirming its commitment to supporting the development of athletics in Nigeria. The performance of Amusan and Brume, alongside other talented athletes, has showcased the potential of Nigerian athletics on the continental stage.
Looking ahead, the AFN aims to build on the momentum gained from the African Games and secure further success at upcoming events. With the support of sponsors like Premium Trust Bank, Nigerian athletes are poised to make significant strides in the world of athletics. The dedication and hard work of athletes like Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across Nigeria, highlighting the importance of determination, talent, and support in achieving success in sports.
