Technical Director, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Sunday Adeleye, has said that the Ibrahim Gusau-led board succeeds beyond winning medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia by getting into finals in major events.
Adeleye made this known while responding from Gold Coast, Australia, to questions on Nigeria’s performance at the games, yesterday.
Nigeria won two gold medals, two silver medals and a bronze medal at the end of its athletics participation.
“AFN 2018 season’s developmental programmes were put to test at the Gold Coast and we bagged five medals at the Commonwealth Games within five months.
“But beyond medals, we got to finals in major events which we did not near in the last 10 years.
“After 10 years, Nigeria got two men in 100m finals. We had at least, 11 semi-finalists which we had not seen in a long time.
“I felt elated when Jamaican athletics technical director said this is about the first time Nigerian athletes are being professional.
“He wondered what we were doing to get such result. If we can get such results in our first international appearance, it means we can do more,” he said.
Adeleye said work was in progress and that also meant the federation’s plans were working out.
“Before the 2018 Commonwealth Games, national records are being dusted by home-based athletes at national trials and meets.
“Definitely, athletics is on the upward swing in the country,” he said.
On plans to sustain the tempo of improvement in the nation’s athletics, the ex-national athlete said: “Our next target is the African Senior Championships that will be held in Asaba, Nigeria.