Nigeria’s track and field athletes delivered a commendable performance at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, securing a total of seven medals – one gold, three silver, and three bronze.
According to Aku Aghazu, 2nd Vice President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), this impressive outing has sparked optimism about the future of athletics in the country.
“I am so proud of our athletes here in Riyadh, and what I find particularly pleasing is the fact that the bulk of these athletes are our youth athletes, not the most experienced ones,” Aghazu said in a statement on Thursday, highlighting the bravery displayed by the athletes.
She specifically lauded the Women’s 4x100m relay team that clinched gold in a fiercely contested event, and Patience Okon George, who won silver in the 400m, stating, “The come-from-behind performance was remarkable.”
Aghazu attributed the success to the collaborative efforts of the AFN, led by President Tonobok Okowa, and the National Sports Commission (NSC), headed by Mallam Shehu Dikko and DG Bukola Olopade.
“The revamped AFN has started rolling out strategic plans to boost athletics in Nigeria, and Riyadh is a testament to that,” she said, pointing to the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) initiative as a game-changer, with several medalists emerging from the programme.
With the Commonwealth Games on the horizon, Aghazu is confident in Nigeria’s prospects.
“Our athletes will amaze the nation in Glasgow,” she emphasized, praising the innovative approach of the NSC in nurturing young talent.
“The future of athletics is getting brighter in Nigeria, and our coaches will be supported every step of the way.”
The AFN is optimistic about continued success, building on the momentum from Riyadh.
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