Gabriel Okon, technical director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), says the National Sports Commission (NSC) should take concrete steps to provide sufficient financial support for the development of athletes in Nigeria.

In a statement on Monday, Okon faulted the excuses of “lack of funds” frequently given by some government officials, describing them as retrogressive for the growth and development of athletics in the country.

Okon, who just returned from the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, said Nigeria must adopt a more sustainable funding model if its athletes are to compete favourably on the world stage.

“We don’t just attend championships; we also learn from how others are achieving their podium finishes.

“Countries that win medals at world championships and the Olympic Games invest heavily in their athletes over many years,” Okon said.

He said athletes require training grants, competitions, quality trainers, medical care, equipment, and welfare, which should not be compromised due to poor funding.

Okon noted that some countries, such as Turkey, Qatar, Spain and Saudi Arabia, attract athletes from other nations with huge investments, often making them change their names and identities.

He emphasised that Nigeria must move away from ad hoc arrangements and annual budgetary allocations and instead provide consolidated investment funds to properly support athletes.

Okon said that athletics could have a strong and positive impact on the Nigerian sports economy if given the right attention.

Citing Tobi Amusan, Nigeria’s 100m hurdles world champion and record holder, Okon said her success should inspire more investments in athletics.

“By propagating Amusan’s achievements, Nigeria can encourage others to take up sports, but this endeavour requires substantial funding,” he said.

He added that examples from South Africa, Jamaica, and other nations showed how targeted investments in sports can produce world-class athletes and boost development.

(NAN)