By; Sunny Canto
Expectedly, the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, under the wise filled leadership of Chief Tonobok Okowa, has been recording milestone achievements since he assumed office.
Fascinately, he recently emphasized the bright future of athletics in Nigeria. During an interview at the AFN National Trials, Okowa expressed confidence in the exceptional talents present in the sport and the commitment of his board to harness these talents. He stated, "What we are witnessing here is a testament to the bright future of track and field in Nigeria'' he told.
Adding, "Our vision for the AFN is to create a sustainable system where every Nigerian athlete has a clear pathway to excellence, with the right investment and continued unity within the athletics family.
Meanwhile, in 2026 AFN commenced the first quarter of Commonwealth camping in Asaba, Delta State as well as organizing her 'Golden League' (maiden) edition which concluded in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Exceptional talents like: Oseiwe Salami emerged as the men’s 400mh champion with a brilliant performance, clocking a new personal best of 52.25s, improving on his previous mark of 52.50s set in 2024.
While Janet Sunday stormed to victory in the women’s 100m hurdles also, she dipped under the 14-second barrier for the very first time, clocking a massive personal best of 13.67s in her season opener to emerge overall champion.
Furthermore, Wisdom Musa Great opens his 110mh campaign after returning from Moscow where he featured in the 60m hurdles, Musa made a strong statement in his first 110m hurdles race of the season, clocking an impressive 14.31s to storm to victory at the AFN Golden League.
Meanwhile, Adams Kure who is famously known for his craft in Javelin as a superstar; recorded an emphatic (79.72m) in his first throw attempt following (77.80m; 79.81m; 79.72m) eventually emerged overall winner as Effiom Victoria Kparkpa led the Women category while Ezinne Johan Ozioko dominated the Hammer throw event.
Speaking to News men, the Technical Director of AFN Gabriel Okon described the league as a crucial platform to guarantee regular competition for Nigerian athletes throughout the year, noting that consistency remains key to international success.
He also hailed AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, for backing the initiative and approving financial rewards to motivate standout athletes.
Executive chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has applauded the leadership of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), led by Chief Tonobok Okowa, for choosing Edo as host of the inaugural Golden League Series as Team Nigeria gears up for a packed athletics calendar.
According to honorable Amadin Desmond Enabulele, who described the hosting rights as further confirmation of Edo State’s rising profile as a hub for major national sporting events.
In summary, the sky will be a stepping stone for the AFN federation if all sports stakeholders; board members; umpires, athletes; officials, coaches; media and medical practitioners work collaboratively together in getting a common goal, aims, objectives as Okowa captain the ship right!
