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Tension is rising in Nigerian athletics as national athletics coach and AFN board member Olalekan Soetan sparked fresh debate within Nigeria’s sports system after openly questioning key decisions in the country’s sports administration.
In a forceful assessment, Soetan insisted that The development of athletes, especially at youth level, must take priority over the pursuit of titles in each competition.warning that misplaced priorities could harm Nigeria’s long-term success on the world stage.
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Soetan did not limit himself to criticizing decision-makers and asked administrators to step aside and allow technical experts to do their jobs.
“Most of them are simply not suited for sports administration work.”
“We at the federative level know what we are doing, but let us do the work.”
“My priority is for our young athletes to participate in the African Championships.”
Olalekan exposed the growing frustration within athletic circles over what is perceived as Misaligned priorities in planning and selecting competitors..
Don’t focus solely on titles – Olalekan Soetan
The AFN board member noted that Nigeria’s top elite athletes, including long jump star that haze and shot put power, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, should be pointing Major world championships later in the year.instead of spreading.
“Let those who are ready compete in the Commonwealth Games.”
“There is the Ultimate Championship towards the end of the year, where our elite of the world’s elite will compete.”
“That would be what Ese Brume and Chukwuebuka should focus on, but if they say they want to add more titles at the Commonwealth Games, so be it.”
According to Soetan, Strategic planning, not the pursuit of medals, is what will elevate Nigerian athletics internationally.
Youth development must take center stage
An important part of Soetan’s argument focused on nurture the next generationparticularly with key competitions such as the Youth Olympic Games on the horizon.
“So for me, let’s focus on what’s going to move us forward.”
“This year we have the Youth Olympic Games.”
“Those who have qualified for the Youth Olympic Games, how are we exposing them so that when they go to the Youth Olympic Games they perform well?”
He emphasized the need for structured exposure, preparation and international experience. to ensure that young Nigerian athletes are not just participants but true contenders.
– Read more: They favor Ofili’s future in limbo after the global athletics blockade – AFN
African championships above all?
Soetan further argued that competitions like the African Championship should take priority, especially for local athletes looking to break through.
“We have competitions that matter more than these Commonwealth Games or anything we are planning.”
“So my opinion is that let’s focus on who can be on the field to compete in the African Championships, and realistically, the local athletes, especially those preparing for the U-20 Championships in the United States.”
His position highlights a clear division in philosophy:
- elite stars → focus on world championships
- Emerging talents → gain exposure through continental events
– Read more: “I’m not happy” – AFN member Soetan breaks silence on kit controversy
A call to restart Nigerian athletics
Soetan’s comments have added fuel to ongoing discussions about the Nigerian athletics managementparticularly at a time when the country continues to produce world-class talent.
– Read more: They favor Ofili’s future in limbo after the global athletics blockade – AFN
With big events on the calendar, from the African Championships to the Youth Olympic Games and global competitions, says Olalekan Soetan Nigeria must prioritize long-term growth over short-term glory because, The future of Nigerian athletics will be stronger than ever.
