In a recent development, the Federal Government has issued a warning to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) regarding the importance of professionalism and strict adherence to the rules governing the selection of athletes for the upcoming 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
The warning comes in response to a plea made by Mrs. Adaka Sally, the mother of Godson Brume, requesting her son’s inclusion in the team. Mrs. Sally cited force majeure as the reason for Brume’s absence from the trials held in Benin City.
Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, expressed optimism about the caliber of AFN members, stating that Nigeria would present its best athletes from the trials to compete at the World Championships.
He assured that the ministry is committed to providing equal opportunities for both local and foreign athletes to compete at the trials, with the aim of selecting the best athletes to represent Nigeria at the competition.
Furthermore, Ismaila emphasized the ministry’s dedication to the full implementation of policies and initiatives put in place by the Federal Government. These efforts aim to provide opportunities for youth to develop their sporting talents, aligning with the policy thrust of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration.
Referring to AFN’s commitment to selecting athletes solely from the national trials for the World Championships, the ministry expressed confidence that the federation would lead Nigeria to a successful outing at the event.
However, the failure of Godson Brume, a Nigerian speed star based in the United States, to participate in the National Trials in Benin City has raised concerns within his family.
Pleading with the AFN to consider mercy, Brume’s mother explained the circumstances leading to her son’s absence.
According to Mrs. Sally, Brume’s stay visa in America had expired, and despite his efforts to renew it and travel to Nigeria, he was unable to secure a flight.
Brume had achieved impressive results, including two sub-10 runs, and was considered a strong contender with his remarkable 9.90-second performance in June.
Expressing regret over her son’s inability to compete in Benin City, Mrs. Sally, who is also a technical official at the national trials, urged the AFN to review Brume’s case and allow him to participate in Budapest.
She assured that such circumstances would not recur in the future.
Brume, currently studying at Louisiana State University, is regarded as an athlete capable of making a significant impact on Nigeria’s 4x100m team at the World Championships.
While AFN officials were reportedly displeased with Brume’s absence for the trip to Togo, it has been learned that the federation will convene a meeting to decide whether to grant Brume a wild card entry to Team Nigeria’s Budapest squad.
As the Federal Government calls for professionalism and adherence to selection rules, the fate of Godson Brume hangs in the balance, awaiting the AFN’s decision regarding his inclusion in the highly anticipated World Championships.
