Athletics Can Boost Nigerian Economy—AFN

The technical director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Gabriel Okon, has expressed enthusiasm that athletics can have a strong and favourable impact the Nigerian sports economy.

Okon, who just returned from the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, noted that Nigeria is endowed with numerous talented athletes who are making positive strides in promoting the country’s image internationally.

The former Nigerian international athlete has, therefore, called on the National Sports Commission (NSC) to take concrete steps in providing sufficient financial support for the development of these athletes.

“As of today, Tobi Amusan, Nigeria’s 100mH world champion, holds a record time of 12.12s. By propagating Amusan’s achievement, Nigeria can encourage others to take up sports, but this endeavour requires substantial funding,” said the former sprinter.

“Examples from South Africa, Jamaica, and other nations demonstrate how world-class athletes can drive sports development through targeted investments.”

The AFN TD faulted the common chorus of “lack of funds” often expressed by government officials, describing it as retrogressive for the growth and development of athletics in Nigeria.

“We don’t just attend championships; we also learn from how others are achieving their podium finish,” Okon said.

He emphasised that countries achieving podium finishes in World Athletics Championships and Olympic Games invested heavily in their athletes over multiple seasons.

He argued that sports funding should come from consolidated investment funds rather than yearly budgetary allocations or personal funds.

According to him, athletes require training grants, competitions, trainers, medical care, equipment, and welfare, none of which should be compromised due to lack of funds.

Okon noted that countries like Turkey, Qatar, Spain, and Saudi Arabia lure athletes from other nations with substantial funding, leading some to change their names and forgo recognition under their birth names.

The coach also stressed that Nigerian athletics require substantial funding, as the current ad-hoc approach has hindered many of the country’s top athletes from achieving podium finishes.