Chioma Ajunwa, winner of Nigeria’s first-ever Olympics gold medal, says only a united Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) can improve the athletics sport in the country.
Ajunwa told newsmen on Thursday in Lagos that there was need for unity in order to allow for development.
Reports said that the ex-international spoke during the third edition of the Making of Champions (MOC) Grand Prix/Olympics Qualifiers at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.
She stated that all factions needed to unite in the interest of the athletes and athletics development in Nigeria.
“I am aware that there is a division in the AFN. It is a pity such issue is still lingering. I heard that many people waded into it for settlement as one body, but the people refused.
“Respect is reciprocal. If you are doing something, you should think about the effects of your actions. Their actions are affecting the athletes negatively. it is not good at all.
“They should consider these athletes, what the division will do to their lives if AFN continues operating as a divided house.
“So, if they really love these athletes, they should come together as one body. It is only one united AFN that can enhance athletics development in Nigeria” Ajunwa said.
The leadership crisis rocking the AFN has divided the federation into two factions.
One is being led by Ibrahim Shehu-Gusau, while the other one is led by Olamide George.
On the National Sports Festival (NSF) which begins in Benin on Friday, Ajunwa said she was personally not expecting anything special from the event after many postponements.
She said the morale of the athletes would have been very low due to the incessant postponement of the festival as a result of COVID-19.
“Both the athletes and their states would have been discouraged over the event.”
Ajunwa noted that it was regrettable that the festival was postponed many times due to COVID-19 while political rallies were not postponed.
“This was an act that shows the level of the nation’s seriousness in sports activities.
“As an ex-international, I know what it takes to always prepare for a competition.
“When such a competition is postponed many times, the athlete will not be happy to participate with all his or her body and mind when the event eventually holds,” she said.
The former long jump athlete then urged those in authority in sports to encourage athletes in order to succeed in their preparation for major events like the Tokyo Olympics.