As the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) prepares for its highly anticipated presidential election on May 31st in Asaba, Delta State, all eyes are on the incumbent president, Chief Tonobok Okowa, who has declared his intention to seek a second term in office.
Okowa, who also serves as President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Zone II and Vice President of the continental body, is banking on a legacy of reform, innovation, and athlete development to secure re-election.
Speaking to journalists in Agbor, Delta State, Okowa highlighted the strides made during his tenure, pointing to foundational programs like GET OUR ATHLETES IN SCHOOL, which has opened doors for Nigerian athletes to gain scholarships and compete at collegiate levels in the United States—merging academic pursuit with sporting excellence.
“Our federation has moved from promises to performance. We are building a structure that develops the athlete, supports the coach, and engages stakeholders,” Okowa stated.
Instrumental to this success are key figures like Performance Director Victor Okorie and Technical Director Samuel Onikeku, who have been pivotal in implementing high-performance strategies, tracking athlete progress, and ensuring Nigeria remains competitive in continental and global events.
From podium finishes at the African Championships and Commonwealth Games to landmark performances at the African Youth Championship in Lusaka and the World Relays in the Bahamas, Okowa believes Nigerian athletics is on a resurgence.
“Even at the Paris Olympics where we didn’t win medals, our athletes achieved personal bests and national milestones,” he noted. “This is a sign of growth, not failure.”
While four other candidates have declared their intentions to contest the presidency, Okowa welcomes the competition, saying it reflects the rising interest in reviving athletics in Nigeria. However, he challenges his opponents to present their track records over the past decade.
“Elections are not won on words alone,” he said. “The delegates know who has delivered and who is just showing up.”
With strong endorsements from recent AFN congresses, support from state governments, and a clear roadmap for the future, Chief Tonobok Okowa stands as a formidable favorite in what promises to be a defining election for the future of Nigerian athletics.
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