The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), under the leadership of President Chief Tonobok Okowa, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to securing podium finishes for Nigerian athletes at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Speaking after a strategic stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, Chief Okowa reviewed the lessons and outcomes from the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, emphasizing the Federation’s resolve to build on recent successes.
“We commend our athletes for giving Nigeria a positive image in Tokyo,” Okowa stated. “The country reached four finals — men’s 100m, women’s 100m hurdles, men’s 400m hurdles, where a national record was set, men’s 200m, and men’s shot put — and capped it all with a silver medal. For us in the AFN, it was a huge achievement.”
He stressed that with the combined support of sponsors and the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Federation is focused on providing athletes with all essential resources, including training, welfare, and logistics, to maximize their potential.
Okowa urged patience as the AFN finalizes critical preparations ahead of the Commonwealth Games, confident that Nigeria’s top athletes, including Favour Ofili, Tobi Amusan, Udodi Onwuzurike, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Sunday Israel Okon, and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, are poised for even greater success.
Addressing concerns about athletes’ visas and kits, the AFN President assured that the Federation would engage credible stakeholders and sportswear manufacturers to resolve these issues promptly. He clarified that the current partnership with Hi-Racer, which supported the Tokyo Championships, was a temporary arrangement.
Finally, Okowa appealed to the media to continue promoting Nigerian athletes positively, noting that such encouragement is vital for their motivation and global performance. He also expressed gratitude to the AFN board, sponsors, media, and all stakeholders for their continued support of athletics development in Nigeria.
The statement was issued under the stewardship of Maxwell Kumoye, Chairman of AFN Media.
