AFN’s New Board: Getting the Right Rhythm


AFN’s New Board: Getting the Right Rhythm

By Dr. Kola Oredipe

“The time is always right to do what is right.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

That timeless quote perfectly captures the resolve of the new board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), a team determined to sustain the growth of athletics, attract corporate sponsorships, and build future champions for the nation.

Under the leadership of Chief Tonobok Okowa, a seasoned sports administrator now serving his second term as AFN President, the new board comprises technocrats, academics, public servants, experienced coaches, ex-international athletes, and other professionals, a blend of expertise and passion rarely seen in Nigerian athletics governance.

A Fresh Beginning for Nigerian Athletics

This new assemblage signals a fresh start. The members are committed not only to improving athletes’ welfare but also to making the right investments in grassroots talent development, ensuring that young Nigerians are exposed to quality training, competitions, and mentorship.

The results are already visible. The outstanding performances of Nigerian athletes at the CAA Region II Senior Championships in Accra, Ghana, and the CAA African U18 & U20 Championships in Abeokuta, Ogun State, have rekindled hope for the sport’s future.

Before the Abeokuta championships, the AFN organized a two-day national trial in Sagamu to select the best young athletes. They were later camped for two weeks, a strategic move that contributed significantly to their success across track and field events.

That same momentum carried through to the All-Nigeria Athletics Trials in Lagos and beyond, with Nigerian athletes giving strong showings at international meets, including the World Championships. Performances by stars such as Tobi Amusan, Kanyinsola Ajayi, Nathaniel Ezekiel, Israel Okon, and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi have inspired the board to push even harder for excellence.

A Renewed Vision for the Future

As motivational writer Richie Norton once said, “Every sunset is an opportunity to reset. Every sunrise begins with new eyes.”
That spirit of renewal defines the Okowa-led board’s vision, to rediscover Nigeria’s athletic potential and restore the nation’s lost glory on the world stage.

Despite the disappointment of the last Olympic Games in Paris, where Team Nigeria’s overall performance fell short of expectations, the new AFN board is working closely with the National Sports Commission to strengthen athlete support systems and chart a new path forward.

Investing in Talent and Welfare

In just four months, the board has shown a clear sense of direction and purpose, with athletes placed at the center of its reforms. The AFN is already laying the groundwork to discover and nurture the next generation of greats, following in the footsteps of legends such as Mary Onyali-Omagbemi, Falilat Ogunkoya, Chioma Ajunwa, Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju, Blessing Okagbare, Olusoji Fasuba, Yusuf Ali, Deji Aliu, and Oluyomi Sule.

Today, Nigeria boasts an exciting crop of emerging and established talents, Tobi Amusan, Kanyinsola Ajayi, Israel Okon, Alaba Akintola, Nicholas Fakorede, Rosemary Chukwuma, Tima Godbless, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, Ese Brume, and Oyesade Olatoye, among others. The AFN has strengthened its relationship with these athletes, encouraging them to remain focused ahead of the next athletics season and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Commitment to Development and Professionalism

In his inaugural speech after being re-elected, President Okowa pledged to continue advancing athletics development, providing the necessary support to help Nigerian athletes return to the top of global competition.
He also announced the introduction of annual age-grade national competitions, describing them as vital platforms to harness the potential of Nigeria’s teeming youth population.

In line with global standards, the new board has intensified anti-doping education and plans to sponsor refresher courses for Nigerian coaches and technical officials to ensure professionalism and compliance with international standards. The appointment of Coach Gabriel Okon as Technical Director and Rtd. DSP Solomon Aliyu as National Head Coach reflects the board’s commitment to technical excellence and unity of purpose.

Partnerships and Accountability

President Okowa has commended the National Sports Commission, Premium Trust Bank, and Arise TV Group for their recent sponsorship and support of athletics events. He continues to urge state governments, tertiary institutions, and private investors to develop sports infrastructure, particularly for athletics, across Nigeria.

To ensure transparency and accountability, the AFN board has also appointed a Chief Operating Officer, an Auditor, and a Legal Adviser.
Okowa emphasized that these steps will strengthen financial discipline and encourage more corporate and philanthropic partnerships in talent discovery, training, and international competition readiness.

With this renewed energy, structure, and sense of purpose, the AFN under Chief Tonobok Okowa appears firmly on track, getting the right rhythm to lead Nigerian athletics into a new era of excellence.


Dr. Kola Oredipe is a former middle-distance runner, a seasoned broadcaster, and a member of the AFN board, where he currently serves as Auditor.


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