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2026 Commonwealth Games: President Afn Okowus reaffirms the commitment to the end of the podium
The president of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), the head Tonobok Okowa, reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to ensure that Nigeria’s elite athletes reach the Commonwealth games next year.
Okowa made this known shortly after a strategic meeting of the interested parties was held in Abuja, where preparations and lessons from the world athletics championships in Tokyo, Japan athletics were widely revised.
According to him, the AFN, in collaboration with its sponsors and with the continuous support of the National Sports Commission (NSC), will provide the athletes with the necessary support in terms of training, well -being, logistics and other essential needs.
“We praise our athletes for giving Nigeria a positive image in Tokyo,” said Okowa. “The country has reached four finals – the 100 meters, the 100 meters of women, the men’s obstacles (where a national record has been established), 200 men and male shooting – and closed everything with a silver medal. For us in the FN, it was a huge result.”
Okowa stressed that efforts are underway to fulfill the promises made to athletes in view of the next Commonwealth games. He observed that with the right support, the abilities of the Nigerian athletes are never in doubt and have urged them to remain patient since the federation finalizes the key agreements.
He added that the Federation is determined to work even better, in particular with the current form of best athletes such as the favor of Otiles, Tobi Amusan, Udodi Owuzurike, Ezekiele Nathaniel, Sunday Israel Okon and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi.
Okowa has also revealed that the AFN will move quickly to deal with persistent problems regarding visas and athletes’ kits by involving Stakeholders and sportswear producers. He explained that the existing partnership with Hi-Racer was only temporary assistance for the Tokyo championships.
The president of the AFN has further appealed to the media to continue to project Nigeria’s athletes into a positive light, stating that this encouragement would motivate them to excel on the global phase.
He concluded by expressing appreciation for members of the AFN Board of Directors, the sponsors, the media and other parties interested for their unshakable support for the development of athletics in Nigeria.
