President Tonobok Ojuru Okowa of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) delivered key insights and addressed concerns during the press conference of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon 2024, held on Friday, February 9th, 2024, in anticipation of the main event scheduled for Saturday, February 10th.
In an interview monitored by Sports 247, Okowa highlighted the marathon’s significance, emphasizing its positive impact on athletes and the AFN.
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He commended the continuous improvements observed over the years, expressing pride in Nigeria’s achievements and the collaborative efforts between the AFN and tournament organizers to foster athlete development.
During his address, Okowa also noted the notable attendance and growing popularity of the marathon, citing the presence of elite athletes and international dignitaries as evidence of its increasing global stature.
He stressed the importance of such participation in elevating the tournament’s profile and drawing attention to Nigerian athletics on the world stage.
“Well, it’s not about the impact that I will get, but the impact that AFN is partnering with them and the other athletes. But we should be proud as a country that they are doing this well. Every year they keep improving.
Now they are doing good labour. We are praying for them that sometime soon they will get together. But you can all see that every year there is always an improvement in what they do.
The number of elite athletes that are always here. You can see my colleagues at the international level, a lot of them are here. Even the Vice President of World Athletics is here.”
Expressing concern for Nigerian long-distance athletes, Okowa emphasized the need for concerted efforts to enhance their performance and competitiveness.
He underscored the importance of bridging the gap between Nigerian athletes and their counterparts from countries like Kenya and Cuba, urging for strategic interventions to address this disparity.
“That’s to tell you that they are gathering a lot of popularity. And that is good for us. My main worry is our Nigerian Long Distance Athletes.
We have to work harder to make sure they will improve. At least be able to compete with the likes of the Kenyans and the Cubans. That’s just what we are worried about.”
In a significant announcement, Okowa revealed changes within the AFN Road Race Commission, with Yusuf Alli appointed as the new head.
He highlighted Alli’s pivotal role in leading the technical team and outlined expectations for the commission to formulate and implement strategies aimed at enhancing athlete development and performance.
Concluding his address, Okowa expressed optimism for the future of Nigerian athletics under the leadership of the revamped AFN Road Race Commission.
He affirmed the federation’s unwavering commitment to supporting athletes and creating a conducive environment for their growth and success, signalling a promising trajectory for Nigerian athletics on the international stage.
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