The President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau has promised to give necessary support to the country’s long distance racing athletes.
Gusua stated this at the recently concluded JAC 10km road race held in Abeokuta, Ogun state.
The AFN boss revealed that his board will source for funds in sponsoring marathon athletes to more championships outside the country.
He said, “After the race, I discussed with the team including the first Nigerian athletes to finish the race and I told them that I need more improvement. Emmanuel Gyang who was the first Nigeria male athlete incidentally placed fourth position overall; I thought Nigeria athletes would have broken into the top three.
“The athletes have stated what they need to improve and I am going to work towards that but do not forget everything boils down to funding, training and appearing in more competition which is a major problem for us.
“However, I am going to work hard, look for the funds and make them appear in other competitions”.
Gusua said, “The Athletics Federation Nigeria is coming to terms with the organisers of the JAC 10km road race because all athletics event in the country are over sighted by member of the federation. We are in a good working relationship and I think we will get to a good understanding with them.
He said the board members of the AFN have been reaching out to Cooperate organisations for partnership.
He said, “We have been trying to reach Cooperate Organisations in the country to partner and see what they can do with regards to sports. I encourage them because every company has Cooperate Social Responsibility; so they should look into that area and see what they can do in sponsoring athletics”.
