By Uzor Odigbo
Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) technical director Brown Ebewele has suggested the invitation of 100mh Champion Gloria Alozie to national camp.
The former Edo State sports commissioner insisted that as a Commonwealth and Africa record holder in 100mh (12.44secs) Alozie should be in national camp to assist.
Apparently referring to her wealth of experience, Ebewele said the Making of Champions (MoC) coach would add more value to hurdlers for the Olympics.
“I say this with total conviction that Alozie has all it takes to do well and accepted by all athletes in camp”, he said.
He also noted that AFN had in the past neglected former worthy national champions for less experienced ones which according to him, had brought athletics in Nigeria to its knees.
“How could anyone in his right senses neglect a heroin and Champions in her event for a rookie that had nothing to offer athletes in camp?”, Ebewele asked, adding that this is an Olympic year, hence, all hands must be harnessed to achieve the desired goal.
He however stressed that if his suggestion is accepted by the AFN board, Alozie would be invited to camp to assist prepare athletes for Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
On the All-Comers meet at the weekend in Akure Ondo State, the AFN technical director said athletes’ turn-out was impressive and they enjoyed the first competition of the year.
He reiterated the need for all athletes to bond together, adding that as head of the technical committee, he would ensure that justice prevails in technical decisions that would affect all athletes and coaches.
He also emphasised that for athletes to receive all they aspired for, they must work harder and earn their places, stressing that efforts are ongoing to organise more competitions locally for athletes to fully express themselves in preparations and to make desired impact in both national and international competitions this year.
