President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa says the board is happy with the superlative performance of ‘Team Nigeria’ at the 2024 World Athletics Relays in Bahamas.
“I am so glad our athletes got the four tickets in Bahamas,” Okowa said shortly after the men’s 4x100m team of Udodi Onwuzurike, Ekanem Emmanuel, Alaba Akintola and Karlington Anunagba clinched their ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“I salute the athletes, the coaches, my board members, Sport’s Ministry officials and all those who made this victory in Bahamas possible,” Okowa stated.
After winning two tickets on Day 1 of the World Athletics Relays in Bahamas, Nigerian athletes ensured the job was completed on Sunday night, picking two more tickets in women and men’s 4x100m Relay.
Both teams had missed the tickets on Saturday night.
The victory ensured the Men’s team returns to the Olympics after 16-year absence, just as the women will make their ninth straight appearance.
Okowa strongly believes that the success in Bahamas was as a result of the AFN board’s determination to put Nigeria on the global map at the Paris Olympics after about two decades of the Atlanta ’96 Olympics success story.
“In anything we do today, we put God first,” Okowa said.
“Despite the fact that things are hard, some of my board members and I have resolved to forge ahead. There are some who are interested in finding faults in whatever we do, but God has been faithful to us. We shall continue to do our best for Nigeria athletics.” The Delta State born administrator added.
Okowa, went on to explain that ‘Team Nigeria’ Athletics made a bold statement in Accra, during the 13th African Games.
“Nigerians saw what we did at the last African Games in Ghana. Our next step will be in Cameroon for the African Senior Championships. We will give the team the best preparation for the Paris Olympics.
“We will also ensure that the women’s 4x400m team get the ticket to Paris to make it 5/5. The AFN needs fund to achieve its dream of making a podium finish at the Paris Olympics.” Okowa stated.
Under Okowa’s administration as AFN President, Nigerian athletics has made significant progress, with athletes creating more records than ever before. From Tobi Amusan world record in the 100m hurdles to Ese Brume’s long jump exploit.
The victory of ‘Team Nigeria’ in the athletics event at the 13th African Games is another feat during this current AFN board.