Sunday Adeleye, a seasoned figure in Nigerian athletics administration and a former national athlete, has thrown his hat into the ring for the presidency of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). His declaration comes as the federation gears up for elections next month, with a growing list of contenders vying for the top spot. Adeleye’s candidacy brings a wealth of experience to the table, having served as the athletes’ representative on the AFN board, Executive Assistant to a former sports minister, and currently holding a similar position under the minister of state for industry. He joins a competitive field that includes the incumbent president, Tonobok Okowa, former AFN president Ibrahim Gusau, and retired Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, another former Technical Director of the AFN.
Adeleye’s vision for Nigerian athletics centers around a comprehensive revitalization of the sport, focusing on grassroots development as the foundation for future success. He emphasizes the importance of collaborating closely with state athletics associations to effectively identify and nurture promising young athletes across the country. This grassroots focus, he believes, will unearth the next generation of champions and lay the groundwork for sustained success on the international stage. He envisions a structured and synergistic approach, connecting national-level initiatives with state-level implementation to create a robust talent pipeline.
Beyond talent identification, Adeleye underscores the critical role of technical excellence and structural reforms in propelling Nigerian athletics back to its former glory. Recognizing the nation’s inherent athletic potential, he aims to implement systems that not only produce medal winners but also ensure the long-term sustainability of success. This involves investing in coaching development, enhancing training programs, and establishing a robust administrative framework that supports athletes and coaches alike. His goal is to move beyond sporadic victories and establish a consistently competitive presence on the global athletic stage.
Central to Adeleye’s proposed reforms is the establishment of a more effective and transparent liaison framework between the AFN and government institutions. Drawing inspiration from successful international models, he plans to create a structure that promotes accountability and efficiency in the management of the federation’s affairs. This involves streamlining communication channels, defining roles and responsibilities, and implementing mechanisms for oversight and evaluation. The aim is to foster a collaborative relationship between the AFN and government bodies, ensuring alignment of goals and maximizing the utilization of resources.
In addition to structural reforms, Adeleye prioritizes the development of Nigerian coaches as key drivers of athletic success. He advocates for investing in their training and providing them with the necessary resources to effectively guide athletes to their full potential. He believes that empowering local coaches with the right skills and support can reduce the reliance on foreign expertise, thereby building a more self-sufficient and sustainable coaching ecosystem within Nigeria. This approach, he argues, will foster a deeper understanding of Nigerian athletes and their unique needs, contributing to more effective training programs and ultimately better performance outcomes.
Adeleye concludes his vision statement with a firm commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of resources. He pledges to operate an open system, ensuring that all funds, particularly those received from World Athletics and other sponsors, are utilized judiciously to advance the development of the sport. This commitment to responsible financial management aims to build trust among stakeholders and ensure that resources are directed towards programs and initiatives that directly benefit athletes and contribute to the overall growth of Nigerian athletics. By prioritizing transparency and accountability, Adeleye aims to create a more credible and sustainable future for the sport.
