Tag: AFN

A total of 32 Nigerian athletes, 16 females and 16 males will commence a six-week camping exercise in Asaba, Delta State, as preparations intensify for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The athletes, drawn from track and field events including sprints, relays, jumps and throws, arrived at the camp on Saturday for the first phase of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s (AFN) build-up programme.

The Asaba camp is designed to fine-tune fitness levels, improve technical execution and foster team cohesion ahead of international competition.

The camping exercise is being handled by a six-man technical crew led by AFN Head Coach, Solomon Aliyu, who will oversee training sessions and performance evaluations throughout the period.

Supporting him are specialist coaches responsible for sprints, relays, hurdles and jumps

AFN Technical Director, Gabriel Okon, is leading the delegation and will coordinate the technical framework, athlete monitoring and compliance with federation standards during the camp.

The President of AFN, Chief Tonobok Okowa say the six-week programme will help identify athletes in peak condition while laying a solid foundation for subsequent phases of preparation as Nigeria targets a strong showing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Okowa stated that AFN remains optimistic that the Asaba camp will sharpen the athletes’ competitive edge and position Team Nigeria for podium success on the global stage.

ATHLETES  IN ASABA  CAMP:

100/200M

1. Chidera Ezeakor

2. Miracle Ezechukwu

3. Chioma Nweke

4. Tejiri Praise Ugoh

5. Maria Thompson

6. Gafaru Audu

7. Enoch Adegoke

8. Iyanuoluwa Bada

9. Jenifer Obichukwuka (100/200)

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100MH – WOMEN

1. Janet Sunday

2. Precious Uduvweghre

110MH – MEN

1. Musa Wisdom Great

2. Abdulaziz Abdullahi

400M

1. Patient Okon George

2. Anita Eenaruna

3. Toyiba Jimoh

4. Ezekiel Asuquo

5. Emmanuel Ojeli

6. Samson Nathaniel

7. Gafari Badmus

8. Victor Ime

9. Esther Okon Peter

10. Emmanuel Salubi (h)

JAVELIN

1. Victoria Kparika

2. Samuel Kure

HIGH JUMP

1. Treasure Omosinoe

2. Edet Clergy

LONG JUMP

1. Rukewe Nwagbogwu

2. Glory Jarriet

3. Tobe Chukwu Nwokocha

SHOT PUT

1. Dickson Ugochukwu

TRIPLE JUMP

1. Blessing Olorunyomi

THE COACHES

1. Gabriel Okon — Long Sprint and relay

2. Solomon Aliyu — Hurdles

3. Ken Onuaguluchi — Throws

4. Kola Adebayo — Vertical Jumps

5. George Obiano — Horizontal Jumps

6. Endurance Ojokolo Teye — Sprints

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has inaugurated a Special Investigative Committee (SIC) to probe allegations of widespread age discrepancies involving Nigerian athletes, following concerns raised by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).

The move, announced on Monday, is part of the federation’s efforts to demonstrate transparency and absolve itself of any wrongdoing amid reports that 17 athletes were flagged for multiple conflicting dates of birth recorded at various continental and global competitions.

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AFN Vice President, Hon. Abubakar Ladan Gurmi, has been appointed to chair the committee. Other members include respected sports administrator Barrister Musa Amadu, former Olympian and sports icon Olumide Oyedeji, legal expert Barrister Dele Edokpayi, and Mbora Ikana.

According to correspondence sent by the AIU to AFN President Tonobok Okowa and General Secretary Israel Inwang, several athletes were found to have two to four different dates of birth across official documents — a development the integrity body described as “glaring discrepancies.”

The AFN said the investigative panel will work swiftly to determine the root causes of the inconsistencies, identify those responsible, and make recommendations to prevent future occurrences as Nigeria continues its push for stronger global credibility in athletics.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), has given more insights into what was responsible for the current travails of Imaobong Nse Uko which has led to her two year ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit of World Athletics.

The quarter-miler has been banned from the sport for the next two years for doping violations for committing three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period a violation of anti-doping regulations.

The AFN, explained that the whereabout filling is the responsibility of any elite athlete, adding  athletes are required to provide the following whereabouts information on a quarterly basis: Home address, Email address, Phone number, An address for overnight accommodations as well as regular activities, such as training, work, and school, the locations and the times of these activities.

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The Federation stated that her failure to do the needful is the reason why she was handed a two years ban which expires in July 2026.

“Athletes are role models and they have an important responsibility to protect the integrity of their sport. Providing whereabouts is about protecting the athlete’s right to clean sport,” the AFN explained. “You can be tested by relevant National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs), International Federations (IFs) and Major Event Organizations (MEOs). And AFN can’t conduct a Whereabout test.

 “It’s the International Federations and National Anti-Doping Organizations that are responsible for determining if you are required to provide whereabouts information or not, it’s not part of its duties.”

The AFN said it  will continue to carry out its drug advocacy campaign to the athletes, coaches and technical officials involved in the business.

The last of such seminars took place during the just concluded National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged Gateway Games 2024 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, South-West, Nigeria.

The AFN insist that it will stick to its due diligent in communicating Anti-doping rules to athletes through its doping department headed by Professor Ken Anugweje.

The Federation emphasized that athlete discipline is crucial and that the Federation will continue to spread anti-doping principles to athletes. 

 Addressing  the two-year ban placed on Imaobong Uko, the AFN said  the  ‘Whereabout Filing’  is the responsibility of each athlete and the platform is so simple that every clean athlete can file their whereabouts without stress.

The statement added: “Where the athletes is having issues with whereabouts, they reach out to the Federation who in turn take it up with the NADC and from the chat that process was followed but the athletes on her part still need to update her whereabouts

“Notice of whereabouts filing is sent to all athletes regularly and Imaobong was sent several notices both from AFN and NADC so she should own up to her responsibility and not blame the Federation.

“However, the Federation is organizing Anti-Doping Seminars regularly where Topics such as Whereabouts Filing, TUE (Therapeutic Use Exception) Anti-Doping Rule Violations etc are regularly taught.

“The AFN is constantly working to ensure all our athletes compete clean hence we are organizing Anti-Doping Seminars and more Testing. Athletes should endeavour to join the AFN campaign for a Clean Sport online with WADA and AIU.

“The Federation is also appealing to the media to help disseminate, it’s drug awareness advocacy programs and campaign as it will go a long way in helping our athletes and the sport of Athletics,” it added.

The 2^nd  edition of the Dynamic Athletics Meet has received a major boost with the endorsement and collaboration of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

This prestigious event will now officially be known as the AFN/Dynamic Athletics Meet 2025.

The meet slated for July 10^th   at the YabaTech Sports Complex, Lagos promises to be one of the most electrifying athletics competitions in Nigeria this year.

This year’s meet is set to be bigger, better, and more competitive, with a full slate of events that includes the men’s and women’s 100m, 200m Invitational, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 100m hurdles, 110m hurdles, 400m hurdles, 5000m walk race, long jump, triple jump, shot put, discus throw, javelin and High jump.

In a major development, the 2025 edition will also feature international relays:4x100m; 4x400m; Mixed 4x400m and Mixed 4x100m.

Speaking on the new partnership, Olabanji Ayegbusi, Founder of Dynamic Athletics, expressed deep appreciation for the AFN’s involvement:

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“This collaboration is a testament to the AFN’s commitment to growth and innovation in Nigerian athletics. I sincerely thank the AFN President and the Board members for aligning with our vision. This partnership reflects the renewed hope agenda where the Federation recognizes, supports, and uplifts brands that are promoting athletics and providing athletes with viable platforms to excel.”

AFN Technical Director, Coach Gabriel Okon, also emphasized the importance of this strategic alliance: “The AFN is pulling its weight to ensure this meet delivers excellence. It provides athletes with a high-performance platform just ahead of the National Trials, which is crucial in their build-up to global competitions. We’re proud to support competitions like this that raise the bar for athletics in Nigeria.”

There will be premium and classic cash prizes on offer, another major incentive that reflects the event’s elite status.

The 2024 edition of the Dynamic Athletics Meet produced several ground-breaking performances, including World-Leading time and numerous Personal Bests. With the AFN now fully involved, expectations are sky-high, and the possibilities are limitless.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (Nigeria) has named DSP Solomon Aliyu (rtd) as the new head coach of the association with immediate effect.

In a press statement signed by the Secretary General of the AFN, Israel Inwang, it was  disclosed that the new coach would  bring to bear uncommon experience.

“AFN has announced the appointment of DSP Solomon Aliyu (rtd) as our new HEAD COACH effective immediately!

“DSP Aliyu brings exceptional experience as a seasoned athletics coach and will lead our coaching excellence initiatives.”

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“Aliyu’s key roles are:  Oversee all national athletics coaching programmes, Develop athlete development strategies, Prepare coaches for national & international competitions, Coordinate all AFN coaching activities and Propose high-performance frameworks

“He will work closely with our Technical Director in this 2-year appointment (renewable based on performance).”

The statement also added : “We are confident that Coach Aliyu’s expertise will: Elevate Nigerian athletics to new heights, Foster unity among our coaching community and Drive excellence across all levels.”

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) will be seeking financial compensation following the delay that forced Team Nigeria’s official withdrawal from the 2025 World Relay Championships in Guangzhou, China.

The AFN states that delays in the issuing of visas by Chinese embassies in the United States, Germany, and Nigeria have the reason for the withdrawal.

According to a press release issued on Friday by AFN, the body expressed its deep disappointment, stating:

“With deep regret, we have withdrawn Team Nigeria from the 2025 World Relays in Guangzhou, China, despite visas finally being issued today (Friday), far too late for meaningful participation in the competition.”

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Also, the Federation criticized what it called a “fundamental failure of Chinese administrative processes,” noting that the visas were only issued on May 8—the day the team was expected to arrive in Guangzhou, making Nigeria’s participation logistically impossible.

The body claimed that Chinese authorities imposed requirements that are more than international norms, placing a heavy burden on Nigerian nationals.

Even though there was an early submission of passport applications at Chinese embassies in Washington D.C., Berlin, and Abuja, the delays were unexplainable.

The criteria for a “Verification Letter of Invitation” was inconsistently applied and poorly explained, with local organizing officials themselves not sure of procedures.

After all documents were deemed complete, Chinese authorities held applications for several days, eventually giving visas only on the day of scheduled arrival.

President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa, has declared his readiness to  seek re-election in the upcoming federation’s poll  in order to consolidate on the gains already achieved under his tenure.

Okowa told journalists in Agbor, Delta State, that the work, reforms and programs that he and the current AFN board had put in place, has put him in good stead to secure a second term.

 “What we are doing in the AFN  right now is critical to the success we are yearning  for in athletics and Nigerian sports in general. We have laid a solid foundation through our ‘Get  Our Athletes In School’ program,” Okowa said. “The  program has helped a good number of athletes to secure scholarships and admission into American Colleges and Universities, and they have been combining their academics with sports seamlessly.”

 Okowa, who doubles as the President Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), Zone II and a Vice President Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), explained that the AFN  appointed a very efficient and effective Performance Director, Victor Okorie, who resides closely  to the athletes.

According to Okowa,  Okorie has been actively involved in monitoring the athletes and preparing the Nigerian team for upcoming events like the World Athletics Relays, the African Championships and other major competitions.

He said  Okorie alongside the Technical Director of AFN, Samuel Onikeku, have helped to drive the federation’s  policies and programs. And for the next four years they are expected to build on the success story so far, as well as accelerate other new initiatives.

He continued: “As Technical Director, Onikeku, is responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of AFN’s operations, including athletes’ development, coaching, and competitions.

“Our relationship with the athletes is great and cordial and we have also established excellent working relationships and partnerships with quite a number of state governments to accelerate the growth of athletics across the country,” added  the former Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission.

Okowa  reiterated that during the last four years, Nigerian athletics is steadily regaining its lost  glory in athletics, adding the country is on the right path.

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He continued: “At the World Youth Championship in Kenya, Team Nigeria came third, at the Senior Athletics Championship in Mauritius and Cameroon, Team Nigeria athletes left their mark on the track.

“In Lusaka, the Zambian capital at the African Youth Championship,  we had an excellent outing. What about our stellar performance at the African Games in Ghana, as well as our superb showing at the World Relay Championship in Bahamas, and at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games we showed strength, character and class.

“Despite, the difficulty associated with funding major competitions, the AFN has been able to honour all its championship obligations including the Confederation of African Athletics Zone II Senior Championship in Accra, Ghana which we won in style. And even at the Paris Olympic Games, where we failed to finish on the podium, a lot of first and feats were achieved by our athletes.

“Like in every human endeavour, there is always the need for improvement and we are ready to climb the ladder of growth and development to get athletics in Nigeria to where it truly belongs,” he added.

Currently, four other persons have indicated interest in running for the AFN  top job, this development, Okowa said it was a healthy development, adding  it shows  that the his administration is  putting athletics back on track, and people are taking notes.

“I love competition and I also like the interest shown in running for the Presidency of AFN, but what have you done for the sport in the last ten years or more, is the big question the delegates will answer with their votes in Asaba, at the end of this month,” Okowa noted.

He added: “Let’s wait for the guidelines for the election into the AFN to be out, and then they can see where they fit in, but as for me and my team we have done the needful, and I’m sure with God’s backing we shall win and continue with our programs and get athletics in Nigeria back to the top.”

The well -attended AFN Congress, held some few weeks back in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State,  is  a  strong indication of  Okowa’s  acceptance and the support base of his candidacy as he seeks re-election.

The next election into the board of the AFN holds on May 31^st in Asaba, Delta State.