Samuel Onikeku, Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has emphasised the importance of investing in coaches for improved athletics performance in Nigeria.
Speaking after the inauguration of the new AFN board on Thursday in Abuja, Onikeku highlighted the federation’s achievements over the past four years, expressing optimism about the future with the new board members.
According to him, the federation focus on junior athletes has paid off, citing the success of athletes like Ezekiel Nathaniel, Favour Ofili.
Others are, Favour Ashe, and Godson Brume, who were discovered during the World Junior Championships in Kenya during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He noted that the federation’s strategy of attending world junior championships has helped identify and develop young talents, ensuring a smooth transition when senior athletes retire.
Onikeku praised the re-election of Tonobok Okowa as AFN president, attributing his success to the good work done during his first term.
Onikeku highlighted that with Nigeria hosting the 3rd edition of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) African Junior Athletics Championship in Abeokuta, Ogun and the upcoming World Championships in Japan, the federation is poised for greater success.
“If we invest in our coaches, we will do much better,” he said.
The new AFN board is expected to build on the progress made in the past four years, with a focus on continuous training for coaches and infusing new practices to enhance athletic performance.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Onikeku was among the New AFN board members