Sports
2020 Olympic: Conflict In AFN Worries Athletics Coaches
Some athletics coaches have expressed worry that conflict in the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), if not resolved fast, might affect Nigeria’s preparation for and participation in the Tokyo 2020.
Some of the coaches, who spoke to newsmen in Lagos, said that parties involved in the conflict should consider the interests of the nation and the athletes.
Coach Osagie Ikhaobomeh appealed that the conflict rocking the federation should be resolved fast to ensure Nigeria would do its best at the Olympics.
Ikhaobomeh urged those involved in the conflict to dialogue and resolve issues in the best interest of the nation.
The coach said that quick resolution of the conflict would encourage athletes to put in their best in preparation and participation .
According to him, concflicts will not encourage sports development.
“The crisis in AFN can affect Nigeria’s preparation for Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
“If truly money was released but not given to athletes, it will affect the psyche of the athletes and their preparation for the Olympics,” he said.
“What some of our athletes experienced at the All African Games hosted by Nigeria in 2003, killed their passion for running for the nation
“The issue has always been the welfare of the athletes,” Ikhaobomeh said.
He, however, commended the AFN Board for good performance.
“The current board, for me, scores 55 per cent performance in 2019, though lack of funds affected Nigeria’s performance in major international events.
“There is need for the board to put its house in order to do more,” the coach said.
Coach Tunde Suleiman said that AFN experiencing a conflict few months to Olympics would do harm for the nation’s participation in the Olympics.
Suleiman called on the board to resolve the conflict fast.
“I believe this is a needless crisis in AFN; they just need to drop ego and work together, it is a collective thing, everyone is important.
“In the interest of coaches and athletes, we all need to move on and think of how our performance in Tokyo 2020 will be better than those in previous Olympics.
“That is my opinion; when most countries’ preparations are at the peak for the games, we are here fighting one another and forgeting the interest of the nation and the athletes,” he said.
Meanwhile, two factions are laying claim to the leadership of AFN.
One group is led by Ibrahim Gusau, while the other group is led by Olamide Gorge.
The 2020 Summer Olympic Games will start from July 24 and end on August. 9 in Tokyo.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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