Sports
Nigerian Athlete Calls For Overhaul For AFN
Former African record holder in the men’s 100m, Olusoji Fasuba, has strongly recommended an overhaul of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN)by getting rid of officials whose only aim is to secure positions.
A member of the Nigerian bronze medal-winning team in the 4 x 100 metres relay at the 2004 Olympic Games, Fasuba made this observation on the back of the country’s average outing at the recent African Senior Athletics Championships in Douala, Cameroon, where it finished third behind South Africa and Kenya with five gold, four silver and four bronze medals.
In a statement on his Facebook page on Tuesday, Fasuba recalled some of his continental exploits and advised the country to first focus on conquering Africa and shift focus from conquering the Olympics.
“Looking back at my first championship in 2004, held in Congo Brazzaville, I had no idea that I would go on to win the African Championship 100m event three times. My journey continued with victories in Mauritius in 2006 and Ethiopia in 2008,” stated the UK-based whose African record of 9.85 seconds stood for many years until Akani Simbine broke it in July 2021 with 9.84 seconds.
He continued, “As a nation, we are so focused on conquering the Olympics, yet we haven’t fully conquered Africa. It’s crucial for us to return to the drawing board and genuinely listen to those who can lead us to success, rather than individuals whose primary aim is to secure positions as officials. Our athletes have the potential, but we need the right support and guidance to truly excel on the continental stage and beyond.”
Fasuba won the African Championships in 100 metres in 2004, won the silver medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games behind Asafa Powell, and was the indoor world champion over 60 metres in 2008, becoming the first African to complete the feat.
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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