By Flinster Austin
Published on 2024-01-06 03:48:11
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) is taking strategic steps in preparation for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. One of the major moves they have made is to warn athletes that if they fail to participate in the Africa Games in Accra, Ghana, they will not be considered for the Olympics.
This warning was issued recently, alongside the announcement by the America-based Performance Director of the AFN, Victor Okorie. Okorie expressed his excitement in discovering a potential gold medalist in the women’s Shot Put event, stating that she has the capability of breaking the existing African record.
The potential gold medalist in question is Marilyn Nwora, an 18-meters Shot Put thrower who has thrown 18.14m this season. She is currently a student at Texas University, pursuing her master’s degree. Okorie expressed confidence in Nwora’s ability to break the African record held by another Nigerian athlete, Vivian Chukwuemeka.
Furthermore, Okorie has emphasized the significance of the decision to gather all the athletes for the African Games in Accra. The primary aim is to set performance benchmarks for the Olympic Games, and he stressed that this decision will not be reversed. Additionally, he has advised the athletes to undergo their compulsory drug tests, highlighting the importance of delivering their best performance at the All African Games in Accra, Ghana as per the directive of the Honourable Minister.
As the AFN gears up for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, it is evident that they are taking proactive measures to ensure that their athletes are fully prepared and meeting the necessary criteria for Olympic consideration. The potential exhibited by athletes like Marilyn Nwora is a testament to the talent and capability within Nigeria’s athletic community. With such promising individuals on their team, the AFN is undoubtedly focused on achieving success at both the Africa Games and the subsequent Olympic Games.
