AFN Urged Not To Overlook Foreign Based Budding Athletes

One of the country’s
budding athletes, Ituah Enahoro, has appealed to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) not to relent in its effort to develop talents at the grassroots.
The Netherland-based Enahoro, who made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Lagos, said that foreign-based budding athletes should not be overlooked.
He said that the athletics regulatory body would require adequate funds to successfully execute its programmes and invite budding athletes in the Diaspora in local meets.
“And from what I heard, the athletics federation is not well funded to reach their full potential.
“So, I think they cannot do too much for me because I’m not based in the country. But I will be grateful if they can invite me and even others for some trials.
“My aspiration is that I want to compete internationally and build up for an Olympic event in the future when I am ready to do so. “I always go step by step and take a moment to achieve this.
“What I think is that the AFN has its hands full with its athletes in Nigeria,” said 16-year-old Enahoro.
The athlete told newsmen that he was also taking his educational pursuit seriously, adding: “I want to do well in school too.
“I am following a bilingual education at the highest level; for me it is vital that I get my diploma.
“So, I will always have something to fall back on after my active days in sports,” he said.
Enahoro said he was not averse to representing Nigeria in international competitions in spite of all the Dutch government had done for him.
“Well, I will keep my options open.
“Since I train in the Netherlands and enjoy all the benefits provided by the Dutch authorities, the expectation is for me to represent the Netherlands in competitions.
“So, it would be logical and respectful if I follow that path. However, what I will really like is to participate in African and Nigerian competitions,” he said.
On his role model, Enahoro picked Usain Bolt as his number one outstanding athlete.
“I think he has a funny character and does not take things too seriously while competing, but he is still focused though,
“There is also Ashton Eaton, number one decathlete, which I am a fan of too.
“And the closest role model in my area is Eelco Sintnicolaas, number one Dutch champion,” he added.
Enahoro was recently admitted to the elite Dutch National North Region Sports School of Excellence in Appledorn to sharpen his skills.
Enahoro’s had also performed creditably in some junior meets in Europe where he came first in the 60m hurdles in Dortmund with a returning time of 8.40 seconds.
He also came third in long-jump event with 6.26m.