Auditor in the board of Athletics Federation of Nigeria AFN, Dr. Kola Oredipe has hailed the growing spirit of patriotism among Nigerian athletes, saying their renewed commitment and dedication are boosting the country’s sporting fortunes and inspiring future generations.
Dr. Kola, in an exclusive interview with MG News24 ahead of the Commonwealth Games, said the high level of enthusiasm and positive atmosphere in Team Nigeria’s camp, particularly among the track and field athletes, is inspiring
Adding that the renewed sense of unity, determination, and patriotism among the athletes reflects their readiness to represent the nation with pride and compete for honours on the international stage.
The AFN Auditor throws his weight behind the Federation’s projection of winning seven gold medals, expressing confidence in the quality and depth of Nigeria’s track and field athletes.
He said the country’s abundant talent, coupled with the athletes’ renewed commitment and improved preparation, gives the federation every reason to be optimistic about achieving the target.
“I must say that under the current leadership of AFN, you must have seen the new order ensuring that our athletes who are abroad, professionals come back home to represent their country. The demonstration they have shown in this Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the joy with which they reported to camp, the momentum that came with their arrival shows that they are proud Nigerians and they want to represent their country,”
“We have done our homework, we have looked at the athletes available in camp and their current form, and we’ve seen that this seven gold medal target is very possible and achievable. We had three gold in the last Commonwealth Games, and with the level of preparations and world-class athletes we have now, no doubt we will surpass that previous achievements.” Kola said.
The Auditor of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) who doubles as the Federation’s Media Coordinator commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) led by the chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade for inspiring the renewed sense of commitment among Team Nigeria athletes.
Dr Kola attributed the growing spirit of patriotism to the improved welfare packages introduced by the Commission, noting that the initiatives have boosted the athletes’ morale and strengthened their resolve to represent the country with sense of sacrifice.
“Those who used to say that Nigerian athletes don’t get the best welfare treatment, this time around the NSC, went ahead to pay camp allowances even before the tournament started. This shows that the National Sports Commission is operating under a renewed hope to give our athletes the best welfare. I must say kudos to the NSC leadership for ensuring our athletes are in the best spirit to represent the country.” He noted.
Dr. Kola Oredipe, who is also the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Athletics Association, highlighted the remarkable growth of athletics in the state, expressing confidence that more Bayelsa athletes will break into Nigeria’s national team in the coming years through sustained grassroots development and investment in talent discovery.
“It’s a thing of joy that you come to a place what you met on the ground you try to improve on it and make it better. That is where we are. Like four to five years ago when I came here, we only had ten athletes or thereabout who were training here, but today we have young people in hundreds from different events,”
“That is our desire to raise young Bayelsans to the top. We have started to see them at age grades competitions, and it’s a thing of joy that Bayelsans are representing Nigeria in the u15, u17, u20, and of course, breaking into the mational team. It shows progression, and I give kudos to the technical team coaches, officials, and management for taking this part.” Kola said
Meanwhile, Dr. Kola Oredipe also commended the Bayelsa State Government, led by Governor Douye Diri, for leveraging sports as a tool for youth empowerment through its ASSURED Prosperity Agenda.
He noted that the ongoing development and establishment of major sports facilities across Bayelsa are clear demonstrations of the administration’s commitment to sports development and the empowerment of young people.
Dr. Kola said the ongoing sports facilities across Bayelsa, when completed, would provide athletes with better training opportunities and further boost sports development in the state.