Crisis Deepens at AFN as Relay Qualification Failure Sparks Tensions with National Sports Commission
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) is facing mounting scrutiny and internal turmoil following its failure to secure a single relay qualification ticket during the recently concluded National Trials in Lagos for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
This marks a historic low for Nigerian athletics, as the country now risks missing out on all relay events for the first time since the inaugural edition of the championships in 1983.
According to a report published by The Guardian, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the AFN’s performance and financial conduct.
Sources within the NSC allege that substantial funding was provided to the federation to facilitate preparations and execution of the National Trials, yet the outcome has been described as ‘disappointing and unacceptable.’
In a statement issued by the AFN shortly after the trials, the federation confirmed its urgent appeal for financial support to enable Team Nigeria’s participation in the Region 2 Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana—an event seen as a last-ditch opportunity to secure relay qualification.
Despite the plea, only limited support materialized, forcing the federation to transport 26 athletes by road on a grueling 10-hour journey punctuated by multiple border checks.
The NSC, however, has pushed back against claims of inadequate support. An unnamed official quoted by The Guardian challenged the AFN’s narrative, stating, ‘It is sad that the leadership of AFN is crying out for funds now for its qualification for Tokyo.
‘What came out of the money NSC gave for the National Trials in Lagos, where the AFN failed to secure a single relay ticket?’
Further compounding the crisis are lingering legitimacy issues stemming from the AFN’s controversial board elections in June. Observers have raised concerns about the federation’s inability to attract kit sponsorships over the past four years under the leadership of President Tonobok Okowa.
Allegations of secrecy and poor governance have surfaced, with reports suggesting that even the Secretary General was unaware of the terms of supposed sponsorship agreements due to undisclosed arrangements.
‘This shows the capacity of people we have elected to run the federation,’ said a source who requested anonymity.
‘If they did not come to tell us they only received kits from manufacturers like Adidas, Nike, or Puma, they will tell fellow board members a non-disclosure agreement was signed—one that even the custodian of the federation’s documents was not privy to.’
With the Region 2 Championships now rescheduled for August 19–20, the AFN’s hopes of salvaging Nigeria’s relay prospects hang in the balance.
However, if the NSC’s stance remains unchanged, the federation may find itself stranded—both financially and reputationally.
The AFN has yet to issue a formal response to the NSC’s criticisms.
