Newly elected board member of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Olalekan Soetan, has expressed optimism about a new era of progress and stability within Nigerian athletics.
Speaking shortly after the board’s inauguration, Soetan highlighted the unprecedented unity and technical competence of the current leadership as key ingredients for long-overdue transformation.
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“We now have a leadership team that is not only united but also made up of people who understand the sport—technocrats, coaches, trainers, and administrators who are involved in athlete development every day,” Soetan said.
“This is a major departure from the past, where political infighting and division often derailed progress.”
Soetan noted that for years, the AFN was plagued by internal disputes that crippled its effectiveness and caused confusion among athletes and stakeholders.
He believes this board has learned from the mistakes of previous administrations and is ready to work with a single-minded focus on performance, transparency, and development.
One of the federation’s top priorities, according to Soetan, is improving the support system for athletes—from grassroots identification to elite training programs.
“We want to build a structure that helps our athletes grow from school sports all the way to the Olympic stage. That requires planning, funding, and consistent technical guidance,” he stated.
He also emphasized the importance of accountability and open communication, promising that athletes, coaches, and the public will be kept informed about key decisions and progress. “It’s a new chapter, and we’re building trust,” he said.
With major continental and global competitions on the horizon, including the African Games and the Paris 2024 Olympics, Soetan insists the AFN is better positioned than ever to deliver strong results.
“The focus is on progress, not politics. Nigerians can expect to see the difference on the track and in our management.
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