The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has commended the Honourable Minister of Sports and Chairman National Sports Commission (NSC) Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, for his support that ensured Team Nigeria ended a fourteen years wait for a IAAF World Championships medal at the just concluded Moscow 2013 edition.
The World Championship ended at the weekend with Team Nigeria winning silver and a bronze medal in the women’s long jump and 200m respectively both by Blessing Okagbare. Also the women’s 4x400m quartet made the final of the event. Regina George not only made the semi-final in the women’s 400m, she also returned a new personal best of 50.84 seconds. Omolara Omotosho also made the semi-final in the same event.
In statement signed by the AFN Head of Communication and Media, Mr Olukayode Thomas, the federation thanked Abdullahi for providing financial and moral support for the team,
“This is the first time in recent times that the track and field team will be going to the IAAF World Championships and they will get financial support from the NSC. Abdullahi’s presence in Moscow is the first time that a Minister of Sports would be attending our World Championships which is the equivalent of the FIFA Football World Cup.’’
Thomas also commended Mallam Abdullahi for not only watching our athletes at the World Championships, but for spending time to have one on one interaction with the athletes in Moscow,
“Most of the athletes could not believe that a Minister would have time to talk to them individually and listen to their problems, but they are used to being addressed as a group, but Abdullahi took time to hear from the athletes one after the other.’’
The Federation and the athletes look forward to resuming training for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games in October, the Honourable Minister has assured us that he would support our build-up and participation at the Commonwealth Games.
The Federation and the athletes have resolved to repay the confidence he has in us and his support by working hard to ensure that we succeed in Glasgow,’’ Olukayode Thomas said.
