Soetan snubbed as AFN unveils sub-committee heads
Four months after the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) board was inaugurated, the federation has released the list of sub-committee heads, sparking criticism over notable omissions and questionable appointments.
Chief among those excluded is Olalekan Soetan, the South West representative on the board and one of the most respected statisticians and coaches in Nigerian athletics.
His absence has raised eyebrows, especially given his deep expertise in track and field and longstanding contributions to the sport.
Sources within the federation suggest that Soetan’s exclusion may be linked to his vocal criticism of the board’s leadership, particularly over the decision to fly board members, some with no visible role in Tokyo, on business class tickets to the 20th World Athletics Championships, while athletes endured the long haul in economy.
Similarly, the North East representative, who had previously attempted to contest the presidency against incumbent Tonobok Okowa, was also sidelined, echoing the treatment meted out to Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama during the previous board’s tenure.
In a move that has further fueled discontent, several sub-committee headships have been handed to board members who were allegedly co-opted into the board through questionable means.
Critics argue that some of these individuals lack the requisite qualifications and experience for the roles they now occupy.
For instance, Babajide John has been named chairman of the Safeguarding Sub-Committee, a role that, according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), requires specialized training in protecting athletes from harassment and abuse, and demands a deep understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures.
Similarly, Samuel Onikeku has been appointed to lead the Competition Organization Sub-Committee, a position that ideally requires hands-on experience in managing athletics events and technical knowledge of competition logistics.
Olympic silver medalist Fatimah Yusuf has been named chairperson of the Women’s Commission, while Professor Franz Atare heads the newly created Educational Institutions Sports Sub-Committee, a move seen by some as a token placement to accommodate the university academic.
Journalist Dr. Nneka Anibeze will lead the Marketing and Sponsorship Sub-Committee, a role stakeholders argue should have been openly advertised given its critical importance to a federation that frequently relies on government funding for basic operations.
Other appointments include Kola Oredipe as chairman of the Finance and Audit Sub-Committee, Olusule Oluyomi for Youth Athletics Development, Maria Wophill for Protocol and Ceremonial, and Henry Okorie for the Athletes Commission. Barrister Dele Edokpayi has been named Legal Adviser.
Earlier, Gabriel Okon was appointed head of the Technical Sub-Committee, while Akuchukwu Aghazu was recently named to lead the Road Race Commission. Sportsnow.com.ng also reports that Victor Okorie has been named Performance Director.
The AFN’s latest appointments have reignited concerns about transparency, meritocracy, and the politicization of sports administration in Nigeria.
Many insiders believe that sidelining seasoned professionals like Soetan undermines the federation’s credibility and hampers its ability to deliver on its mandate of developing athletics in the country.
