AFN seeks financial support to prosecute Nigerian athletes qualification for Tokyo World Athletics Champs
By Uzor Odigbo
In a bid to qualify for the Tokyo World Athletics Championships in September, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) is seeking funds to support Team Nigeria’s participation in the Region II Senior Championships in Ghana.
Top Nigeria’s athletes, including World 100mh hurdles Champion and record holder (12.12m) Tobi Amusan and All Nigeria 100m men’s champion Sunday Israel Okon and others are optimistic about the relay teams’ chances of qualifying.
Athletes camp sources revealed that Team Nigeria’s relay teams are determined to secure a spot in the 4×100m and other relays at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
The AFN President Chief Tonobok Okowa disclosed that the Federation is working to secure funds to enable top athletes participate in the Region II Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana, a qualifying event for the Tokyo World Athletics Championships.
Okowa conveyed his appreciation to the National Sports Commission (NSC) and other sponsors for their financial support towards Athletics development.
He requested additional funding as Nigeria’s athletics team prepares to be airlifted to Ghana for the upcoming Championship.
Okowa stated that the AFN board members have resolved to motivate athletes to make podium appearances in Tokyo, thereby boosting Nigeria’s international reputation, similar to the accomplishments of the Super Falcons and D’Tigres Basketball Team.
Okowa however, noted that Nigeria’s male athletes are currently excelling in international competitions and the federation seeks to encourage them to maintain their exceptional performance at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
Recall that the CAA Region ll Senior Athletics Championships slated to hold in Ghana was shifted from August 13th-17th to August 19th to 20th
