Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), has called on Moslem faithful in Nigeria to bear with it on the clash of the National Championships June 16-18 date with the Salah Day celebration.
The AFN said in a statement signed by it’s president Chief Tonobok Okowa, that the Championships a selection trial for the Olympics and the African Championships, was not in any way meant to undermine the Moslem festival.
This clarification became necessary following steps by some individuals to paint the AFN as a body that does not have regards for Muslims in the country.
The Board of AFN had earlier explained the circumstances that led to the fixing of the National Trials for June 16-18 in Benin City, Edo State, and dully apologised to all Muslim faithful in the country.
The AFN had earlier fixed June 26-28 for the National Trials, only for the Confederations of African Athletics (CAA) to announce a new date of June 21-26 for the African Senior Championships in Douala.
Since the AFN is using the National Trials to pick Nigerian athletes for the African Championships in Douala, Cameroon, there is the need to conclude the event in Benin City at least, two days before their departure since a majority of the athletes are foreign-based. As soon as the African Senior Championships end in Douala, the athletes will on July 1 embark on training tour overseas ahead the Paris Olympics.
“It is a crowded schedule for the AFN, and we plead with our beloved Muslim brothers and sisters, particularly the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) to bear with us,” said the statement.
“The AFN has put in place adequate measures for all our athletes, (both Muslims and Christians to enjoy the Salah celebration before coming to the Stadium to complete.
“Part of the arrangements made by the AFN is to skip the morning programme of the National Trials for all of us to celebrate the Salah Day. We have also bought some rams to be slaughtered on Salah Day for everyone to feel the impact of the celebration. “We have bought food and drinks for all our athletes and officials to enjoy the Salah Day celebration in Benin City.
“Once again, we apologise for any inconveniences this clash in date might cause our Muslem brothers and sisters.”
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