By Ben Ogbemudia
Sunday Dare, Minister of Sports on Tuesday at VIP of the National Stadium, Abuja said the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) is not an autonomous body but under the sovereignty of the Nigeria constitution.

The Minister while inaugurating the new AFN board members led by Chief Tony Tonobok Okowa said the board is to oversee the affairs of athletics in Nigeria for the next four years.

He assured of the Federal Government support of the new board

The minister said Nigeria will have a sigh of relief as the crisis in the Federation in the last 18 months comes to an end.

He said, “For 18 months we’ve been dealing with the crisis in AFN. I thank the ministry staff for their unwavering commitment and for defending the position of the Federal Govt of Nigeria during the trying times.

He continued, “Let me welcome the Athletic Federation of Nigeria board. The last week has been so busy with elections from your states and but the next two weeks will be the busiest week in our sports calendar because June 29 is the day the window of qualifiers will close down.

He advised that the board must not fall for the plans set for them to fail.

“The board must avoid pitfalls and must follow the AFN Constitution of 2017 and also follow the Nigeria constitution and carry all stakeholders along. The welfare and support of athletes whether home-based or abroad must be on the front burner.” The Minister advised.

Euro 2020: I’m fine under circumstances’ after cardiac arrest – Eriksen

It is a new dawn on “Nigeria athletic as it is shown on the election. As it recognized by CAA and WA.”

I am delighted that under my watch the sports Federations have been filling. Despite 18 months of fracas AFN has achieved a lot.

Okowa said his AFN led board is not Autonomous and will continue to work with the Federal Government.
AFN is not autonomous and we will continue to work with the Ministry of Sports and the federal government.