The President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Ibrahim Gusau, has vowed that the federation would begin early preparations of its athletes who have already qualified for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo to ensure podium finish.
Gusau told newsmen in Abuja that 12 athletes have already qualified for the Tokyo Games and AFN was going to begin their preparation with camping and other training programmes.
“There will be camping and training for the athletes as suggested by the sports ministers, Sunday Dare.
“The board of the federation just met to finetune some of the activities that will lead to the Games in Tokyo and we will soon roll out the programme,’’ he said.
Gusau stated that the minister had earlier met with the federation’s board members, asking it to come up with a comprehensive plan for the athletes on the issue of performance at the Games.
“Arrangements are in top gear to ensure a hitch-free participation at the Games. All we need is for the athletes to work hard for a successful outing at the Games.’’
Gusau further expressed his concerns about the recent happenings in the athletics federation, with emphasis on Team Nigeria’s participation at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha.
“We appreciate the fact that marathon is fast developing here and we are all gradually building a marathon culture in Nigeria.
“But since the federation is the governing body of athletics, under which marathon races fall, there is need for a greater involvement of the federation in their organisation.
“In this regard, we will soon roll out our plans on this. The federation has set out plans to provide platforms and support to organisers and private individuals who want to venture into organizing athletics events,’’ Gusau said.