Re-elected President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa, has reassured Nigerians that the future of athletics in the country is bright.
He gave this assurance at the weekend during an interview with newsmen during the AFN National Trials at the Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) Sports Complex in Lagos.
The AFN President explained that the number of exceptional and talented athletes witnessed only on the first day of the Trials is a clear and undeniable evidence.
“What we are witnessing here is a testament to the bright future of track and field in Nigeria,” he said.
He emphasized that the AFN will do everything humanly possible to harness these talents to achieve their full potential.
“The commitment from our athletes, coaches, and officials shows that we are building something special. These young talents give us hope, and the AFN is committed to providing the structure and support they need to thrive,” he stressed.
“Our vision is to create a sustainable system where every Nigerian athlete has a clear pathway to excellence. With the right investment and continued unity within the athletics family, Nigeria will reclaim its place among the top nations in global athletics,” he added.
Some sterling performance recorded on Day One of the National Trials, include, the Men’s Shot Put, Men’s Long Jumps and the Women’s Hammer throw.
In the women’s Hammer Throw, Olatoye Oyesade threw a distance of 67.50m to take the top spot, ahead of Quadri Rashidat Motunrayo who threw a Season’s Best of 46.72m.
Ugochukwu Dickson Nnagozie and Edo State-born, Audu Shakamomodu secured a spot in Tokyo in the men’s Shot Put with a distance of 16.23m and 15.62m respectively.
Godfrey Charles Edward was on fire as he leaped a distance of 7.95m (+1.6), in the men’s Long Jump, he was closely followed by Daramola Ibukun with a distance of 7.56m (+1.8).
