AFN President Okowa Seeks Support to Halt Talent Drain

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has appealed for increased government funding and corporate sponsorship to stem the growing trend of Nigerian athletes switching national allegiance in pursuit of better opportunities abroad.

AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, made the call on Friday evening during a press conference following the first day of the All Nigeria Athletics Trials, held at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos.

Chief Okowa identified inadequate funding as a key reason top Nigerian athletes are opting to compete for other countries, citing the example of star sprinter Favour Ofili, who is reportedly on the verge of representing Turkey due to ongoing financial difficulties.

He stressed that athletics in Nigeria requires substantial investment to support training, international travel, athlete welfare, and participation in both domestic and international competitions.

The AFN president urged stakeholders to act swiftly, warning that continued neglect could lead to the loss of more world-class talents to rival nations.