Athletics Federation of Nigeria president, Tonobok Okowa said after Nigeria topped the men and women relay contest of the Africa Games that there was a need to get the athletes ready for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Expressing joy at the team’s performances so far in the track and field events of the African Games, Okowa stated that Nigeria can do more at international events, but preparations and funding had always been a hurdle to surmount.
“Our boys and girls who are in school are not even here and see what we have been doing,” Okowa said.
“We are sure to have a selection headache when they come around. There is going to be a stiff competition, but we will get the best for the nation. We always had athletes that could deliver.”
He listed that the AFN as always would do its best to get the athletes prepared but added that there is need to come to an understanding with the Sports Ministry so that no stone would be left unturned.
“It is left for us to come together with the sports ministry and I’m sure that they would understand why we need to prepare well.
“Preparing for the Olympics is not a ball game, you have to start early, you have to support the athletes, give them stipends and upkeep for them to train. We need to get the ministry on board and that will go a long way to determine our success.
“But on our own we need to start something. Get our sponsors Premium Trust and others would be sponsors. We need to finance our athletes. They need a lot of support to get the best results.”
