In response to a scheduling conflict with the National Trials, which will determine the country’s athletes for the African Senior Championships in Douala, Cameroon, and the Paris Olympics, the Board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) apologise for any inconveniences this clash in date might cause the Muslim brothers and sisters.
The Federation has reiterated that it is not undermining the Salah Day celebration in the nation.
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This clarification is required in light of actions taken by certain persons to portray the AFN as an organization that disregards the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) in the nation.
The AFN had previously apologized to all faithful Muslim in the nation and given an explanation of the events that led to the National Trials being scheduled for June 16–18 in Benin City, Edo State.
The Confederations of African Athletics (CAA) announced a new date of June 21–26 for the African Senior Championships in Douala, after the AFN’s previous announcement of June 26–28 for the National Trials.
Since the majority of the athletes are situated abroad, the AFN must end the National Trials in Benin City at least two days before to their departure in order to choose Nigerian athletes for the African Championships in Douala, Cameroon. Before the Olympics in Paris, the participants will leave for a training tour abroad on July 1st, following the conclusion of the African Senior Championships in Douala.
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.
We gathered that the AFN has put in place adequate measures for the athletes, both Muslims and Christians, to enjoy the Salah celebration before coming to the Stadium to compete.
Part of the arrangements made by the AFN is to skip the morning programme of the National Trials for all to celebrate the Salah Day. They have also bought some rams to be slaughtered on Salah Day for everyone to feel the impact of the celebration.
AFN has also made arrangements for food and drinks for all the athletes and officials to enjoy during the Salah Day celebration in Benin City.
