Sports

AFN: Ibrahim Gusau begs Sports Ministry for Reconciliation

Published

4 years ago

May 7, 2021

…Pleads with Ministry, AFN not to dump Puma kits

According to the Guardian report, embattled former President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Ibrahim Gusau wants reconciliation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development as the AFN.

Gusau’s newfound conciliatory disposition is coming after seizing the password of the federation for over a year and turning himself into the sole administrator of the federation and jeopardizing Nigeria’s relay team’s participation at the Poland world relay by sending an email to World Athletics that Nigeria will not participate.

He had also instituted multiple court cases against the Minister, the Ministry and the federal government but now wants reconciliation.

But the Guardian of May 6, 2021 reports that, “Meanwhile, embattled AFN President, Ibrahim Shehu Gusau has appealed to the sports ministry and his fellow board members to reconsider their stance on the Puma kits.

“It will be sad for Team Nigeria to abandon the Puma kits as our athletes prepare for the Tokyo Olympics Games. Even if we offend God, we beg for forgiveness. We are humans. Let us put behind what happened in the past and work towards the progress of our great country. Puma gave Nigeria kits worth over $2.5 million for four years and we should make use of them, especially now that there is no money in the country.

“I have instructed the Technical Director to release the Puma kits for our athletes so that they will appear in uniform at the U.S. Relays and at the Tokyo Olympics. I am ready to work with them,” Gusau told The Guardian.

Simply to protect the deal he had with Puma Gusau is seeking reconciliation while in the past he has shunned several attempts at reconciliation. Gusau took the government to court. Gusau has been charged by the IG of Police and is now facing trial for criminal breach of trust, theft and funds diversion.

Gusau refused to sign the resolution reached by the committee of Confederation of African Athletics and World Athletics in April that would have solved and reconciled the parties.

His prevarication has left analysts questioning the kind of reconciliation Gusau has in mind with some saying he wants what has not given.

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Sports

Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo Honored with SWAN Diamond Jubilee Award for Outstanding Contributions to Sports

Published

1 hour ago

November 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

Benue-born sports administrator and philanthropist, Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for recognizing his contribution to sports development in Benue State and Nigeria at large.

Dr. Atoo, who serves as President of Flight Sports Nigeria Limited and Founder of Flight Football Club, Gboko, received the honour during the association’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Abuja.

Speaking after receiving the prestigious award, Dr. Atoo described the recognition as a “special motivation and encouragement” to continue contributing to sports growth across the country.

“I’m very happy and honoured. This award means a lot to me because it serves as motivation and encouragement. It’s something very special and not something I take lightly,” he said.

A respected sports administrator, CEO, and humanitarian, Dr. Atoo has built a sterling reputation for his commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting grassroots sports in Benue State.

Through Flight Sports Nigeria Limited, which oversees a range of sporting disciplines including football, volleyball, basketball, lawn tennis, and para sports, he has created opportunities for young athletes to develop their potential and pursue professional careers.

Under his leadership, Flight Football Club Gboko has become a platform for discovering and grooming promising footballers who have gone on to make their mark both locally and internationally. Beyond football, his investment in volleyball, lawn tennis, para sports, and basketball has revitalized interest and participation in these disciplines within Benue and beyond.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Atoo noted that his involvement in sports began purely out of passion but has now grown into a lifelong mission.

“It all started as a passion, but over time, it has become part of me — a culture,” he stated. “This recognition only drives me to do more for the progress of our youth and the development of sports in Benue State and Nigeria.”

He also extended his appreciation to sports journalists in the state and across Nigeria for their continuous support and constructive criticism, noting that their work plays a vital role in shaping sports administration and inspiring excellence.
Looking ahead, Dr. Atoo reaffirmed his dedication to empowering young athletes and improving sports structures in the region.

> “Going forward, we’re going to achieve great things in Benue. My message to sports lovers, administrators, and players is simple — stay dedicated, keep believing, and together we can make sports a major unifying force in our state and beyond,” he concluded.

The recognition by SWAN adds to Dr. Atoo’s growing list of honours as a sports leader, CEO, and philanthropist whose initiatives continue to drive youth empowerment and sports development across multiple disciplines in Benue State and Nigeria.

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