The second Vice President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Aku Aghazu, has lauded the National Sports Commission (NSC) under the leadership of its chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, for its transformative efforts in Nigerian sports.
Speaking at the just-concluded National Sports Council Technical Meeting in Calabar, Cross River State, Aghazu, who is also a member of the Elite and Podium Development Board, highlighted the Commission’s deliberate planning and impactful policies, which she said have driven Nigeria’s success across various sporting events.
“We are putting measures in place to bring a new dawn to sports in Nigeria, and we are seeing the results. From AFN to cricket to swimming to basketball, to WAFCON Ladies, we are doing amazingly well. It’s an era of a new dawn in sports in Nigeria,” Aghazu said.
She attributed Nigeria’s strong performance at the Islamic Games in Saudi Arabia to the NSC’s strategic approach, which involved prioritising athletes with high medal-winning potential.
“Deliberate planning and the Elite Development and Podium Board, chaired by Mr Yusuf Ali, together with the NSC, decided to take only athletes who were certain to win medals to the competition. As a result, every sport we participated in secured a medal,” she added.
She also spoke on the new policies being implemented by the AFN under the leadership of President Tonobot Okowa, which include the regular camping of local athletes, a departure from past practices, and initiatives that ensure continuity and pride among athletes representing Nigeria.
“The Elite and Podium Development Board is working to ensure that athletes are supported with grants for their performances and preparation for competitions.
“These new policies have been instrumental in boosting the AFN. Together with the NSC, we are bringing a whole new shape to the AFN,” she stated.
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