AFN Scrambles for Relay Qualification, Seeks Urgent Funding Ahead of Ghana Meet
After missing multiple opportunities to secure qualification for Nigeria’s relay teams ahead of the 20th World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) is now in a race against time—and resources—to avoid a historic low.
Observers have raised concerns over the federation’s failure to capitalize on earlier chances, particularly in the United States, where a wealth of Nigerian collegiate talent was available.
Athletes like Chidi Okezie, the reigning African Games 400m champion, and NCAA finalists in the 400m and 400m hurdles, were in peak form during the post-season window. Yet, no strategic effort was made to organize or enter qualifying meets, despite the abundance of relay events held across the U.S.
Nigeria’s men’s 4x400m team, boasting three sub-45 second runners and a 45.1 athlete, could have easily surpassed Zambia’s 2:59.16, which currently holds the final qualifying spot.
Similarly, the men’s 4x100m team had a deep pool to draw from, including Kanyinsola Ajayi (9.92 SB), Israel Okon (10.07SB at the time), Adekalu Fakorede (10.11 SB at the time), and Udodi Onwuzurike, the 2021 World U20 200m champion.
On the women’s side, sprinters like Rosemary Chukwuma (11.03 SB), Tima Godbless (10.91 SB), Olayinka Olajide (11.15 SB), and Kelly Ufodiama (11.15 SB)—who recently switched allegiance to Nigeria—were all available. Even Tobi Amusan, ever patriotic, could have bolstered the team.
Yet, the absence of strategic planning and technical foresight has left the AFN scrambling.
With the August 24 qualification deadline looming, the federation is now banking on the CAA Region II Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana—listed on the World Athletics calendar—as a last-ditch qualifying opportunity.
In a press release issued by the AFN, the federation confirmed its urgent appeal for financial support to enable Team Nigeria’s participation in the Ghana meet, now rescheduled for August 19–20.
AFN President Chief Tonobok Okowa emphasized the importance of the event, stating:
‘Our objective is clear: to inspire our athletes to achieve podium finishes in Tokyo, thereby enhancing the nation’s reputation on the global stage, much like the successes achieved by the Super Falcons and D’Tigress.’
He expressed gratitude to the National Sports Commission (NSC) and sponsors for their ongoing support, while calling for additional assistance to ensure the athletes are adequately prepared.
With Nigeria at risk of failing to qualify for any relay event at the World Championships for the first time since the inaugural edition in 1983, the stakes have never been higher. The AFN’s plea for funding may be its final lifeline to salvage national pride on the global athletics stage.
