Sports
AFFAN pledges to collaborate with National Sports Commission
… Appeals to NSC to sponsor ageing female athletes for coaching courses*
The Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN) has pledged to collaborate with the National Sports Commission (NSC) to further advance female sports in Nigeria.
The Chairman of AFFAN, Dr Toyin Aluko made this commitment during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, at his office on Thursday.
Aluko shared that the defunct Ministry of Sports Development had officially recognised AFFAN and approved the inclusion of its members on the boards of National Sports Federations, with the next election scheduled after the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The former athlete expressed the association’s goal of becoming more visible to inspire young girls and their parents, showing them that success in both sports and academics is attainable.
She stated, “I want to assure the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, that AFFAN is fully committed to the success of sports in Nigeria. The association is made up of retired female athletes who have brought glory to Nigeria during their active careers.
“Thanks to our reputation, the defunct Ministry of Sports Development, led by Senator John Enoch, approved our inclusion in the boards of National Sports Federations in the upcoming elections.
“We seek a platform from the National Sports Commission to increase our visibility in sports camps and competitions (both locally and internationally) to help protect female athletes and prevent any form of abuse.
“AFFAN also appeals to the NSC to sponsor ageing or former elite female athletes from various sports federations to attend reputable coaching courses, both locally and internationally. This will empower them to train and certify female coaches and referees who excel in their profession.
“There is a significant shortage of female coaches and referees in Nigeria. We urge the NSC to take a special interest in female coaches by supporting and facilitating the training of former female athletes.”
In his response, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, assured that AFFAN’s inclusion on the boards of National Sports Federations would be activated and revisited.
“It is encouraging to see competent retired female athletes come together to form AFFAN and give back to society. The Commission will collaborate with AFFAN, as these women have participated in the very sports we seek to develop,” Mallam Dikko said.
“I also encourage AFFAN to re-engage with us ahead of the National Sports Federations elections, as guidelines for the elections are currently being formulated by a section of the National Sports Commission.”
Dikko acknowledged the consistent contribution of female athletes in securing Olympic medals for Nigeria and assured AFFAN of the Commission’s full support in its initiatives.
Dikko added that the Zonal Offices will be reactivated in order for more athletes to be discovered from every part of the country.
Sports
No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday
Joel Ajayi
The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.
With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.
Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.
The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.
In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.
While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.
Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.
This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.
Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?
Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.
She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.
Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.
Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.
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