Okowa targets 2027 World Championships glory

Athletics Federation of Nigeria President Tonobok Okowa has set his sights on a stronger showing at the 2027 World Athletics Championships in China after Nigeria’s promising display at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, Hungary, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Despite the challenges that preceded their participation in Budapest, Nigeria’s contingent reached the final in four of the five events in which the country competed, with former world record holder Tobi Amusan winning silver in the women’s 100m hurdles and Kanyinsola Ajayi narrowly missing out on a podium finish in the men’s 100m.

Okowa said the performances had strengthened his belief in the country’s emerging talents and provided a foundation for the federation to build towards the 2027 World Championships.

“The team to Budapest is a young one. The World Championship in China next year is the AFN’s big focus. We will continue to work with these athletes, identify areas that need improvement and prepare them properly for the World Championships,” Okowa said.

The AFN boss expressed satisfaction with the athletes’ performance despite the difficulties surrounding the team’s participation, particularly the visa challenges that threatened Nigeria’s presence at the competition.

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“I am very proud of the athletes and the way they represented Nigeria in Budapest. They showed courage, determination and the right competitive spirit despite the circumstances surrounding the team’s participation.

“This is a young team and the fact that we made it to the final in four of the five events we competed in is very encouraging. Tobi Amusan’s second-place finish and Kanyinsola Ajayi’s near-podium performance in the 100m show that we have athletes capable of competing at the highest level,” he added.

Okowa also revealed that Samuel Ogazi, one of Nigeria’s brightest young prospects and the fastest man in the one-lap race this year, missed the Budapest championship due to a toe injury.

The AFN president believes Ogazi’s absence, alongside the performances of those who competed, offers further reason for optimism as the federation begins preparations for next year’s global showpiece.

He said the AFN would use the lessons from Budapest to identify areas requiring improvement and ensure Nigeria’s athletes are better prepared for the 2027 World Championships.