A former technical director of the Athetics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Sunday Adeleye has faulted what he described as a misguided reaction from the track and field governing body to a recent complaint raised by the country’s current foremost athlete, Tobi Amusan.
Sports247 reports that Amusan created a buzz when she complained about the poor quality of kit that the AFN provided for Nigeria’s contingent to the ongoing World Athletics Championship in Tokyo, Japan.
In reaction to the development, Adeleye took a swipe at top shots of the AFN, who he said allegedly boasted that they provided a first class flight ticket for Amusan’s trip to Tokyo, which the athletics guru pointed out was the normal thing to do, and not something out of the ordinary.
Adeleye added that, considering Amusan’s status as women’s 100m hurdles world record holder since 2022, she deserves nothing less than the best treatment and services that can be provided by Nigeria’s sports authorities at each point in time.
He retorted, “She’s a world record holder. She gave us the only world record we have in Nigeria. So, she should be celebrated and well treated. That’s why I never expected the federation to go against her. That would have been another distraction and another kind of letdown.”
The former athlete-turned-technocrat concluded by suggesting that officials of the AFN should learn how to put cordiality and courtesy into their interactions with the country’s top-rated athletes in order to inspire the stars into churning out better results for the country.
Adeleye sermonised, “The federation should learn how to control issues and approach our athletes well when they compete for us at the global stage. The officials have to manage our athletes properly … per them and pamper them.”
He concluded by thanking the National Sports Commission (NSC) chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko for intervening and dousing the matter with a warm comment that he was sure would make Amusan happy wherever she heard it.
The smooth-talking Adeleye pointed out: “Thank God that the chairman of the sports commission came in, and we heard the way he spoke.
“So, if Amusan heard that where she was, she would be proud that someone was talking to her with courtesy. We also thank God that, at least, sho got a silver medal, which is good for us.”
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