CAA board member congratulates Nigeria AFN president, Okowa

June 20 12:02 2021 by The Ajasa News Print This Article

By Martin Odiete……………………………President, Athletics Federation of Comoros and Member of Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), Inmin AbdulSaheed has arrived Nigeria to personally express his congratulation to the newly elected president of Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Tonobok Okowa.

AbdulSaheed  however added that his congratulatory message is personal and does not represent CAA’s stand on the two elections conducted on June 14.

He said, “I am here for two things; first, to congratulate the new AFN President, Tonobok Okowa and attend this big event because it’s like African Championship.

He added, “I am here not on behalf of the CAA but I am here as a friend of Nigeria Athletics and also I am a member of CAA and it’s important for me to be here because the athletes in Africa are here.

Two different AFN elections were conducted in Kebbi State and Abuja which produced two different presidents for the Federation. In Kebbi State, the incumbent, Shehu Ibrahim Gusau returned unopposed while Tonobok OKowa was elected as the president in Abuja.

“As regards whether CAA recognise Tonobok Okowa, I think I cannot answer you because he has just been elected and we know that there’s another issues with Mr Ibrahim, so we’re not involved and personally not here for that. I am not worried with who is the president of AFN.” 

AbdulSaheed said CAA was disappointed with Nigeria inability to hold the African Athletics Championship which was canceled due to Covid-19 restrictions.

“We are really disappointed that the African Athletics Championship didn’t hold in Nigeria because 99% of athletes are ready but we understood that it was stopped because of the pandemic.

He was however optimistic that Nigeria athletes will have podium finish at the Olympics.

“When you see what Blessing Okagbare did, that will give a picture of what Nigeria can achieve in Olympic. The level on track is very high in Nigeria. So, we are optimistic that Nigeria will do well. I will be in Tokyo and believe some of Nigeria athletes will win medals.”