By Paul Erewuba
Former African and national triple jump record holder, Rosa Collins, has bemoaned the gradual but steady decline of Nigeria athletics.
Collins, who emerged the triple jump champion at Harare ’95 All African Games, said it was time for stakeholders to come together and salvage the situation.
“For many years now our athletics has been in a poor state. Our athletes no longer measure up at international competitions. And even when they do, they do not win any medal. I think now is the time for those of us who are in the sport to put in our little efforts to revive it.”
Speaking to Journalists yesterday in Lagos, while harping on the need for Nigerian athletes to get it right, Collins, one of the contenders for the position of President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), said if she becomes the president she would ensure that everything the federation does is geared towards getting results. She stressed that she would provide the athletes and coaches with a good welfare package as well as making sure that at least five competitions are organised every quarter.
Collins explained that as an accomplished businesswoman, she would use her position to attract sponsors to the federation, adding that Nigerian athletes tend to defect to other countries because of poor remuneration and care.
“I look forward to a new era, resuscitating and rebranding athletics in Nigeria.
“I represented Nigeria for many years and I know where the shoe pinches. Those who have business in athletics should be given the chance to govern AFN and this is why I offer myself as the President.
“We have not been having adequate trainings and long time camping during international fora and this has contributed immensely to athletes’ poor performances.”