AFN celebrates Amusan’s Astana feat, urges focus on Africa Games, Olympics

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has described Tobi Amusan’s record breaking performance at the Astana Indoor Meet, where she set a new African record in 60 metres hurdles, as a sign of good things to come at the Africa Games and the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Amusan, who is the current World Record holder in the 100m hurdles (12.12 seconds), made big headlines in the early hours of Saturday by setting a new African women’s indoor record in the 60-metre hurdles at the Astana Indoor Meet in Kazakhstan.

The Ogun State-born Amusan clocked an impressive 7.77 seconds, and in the process, etched her name in history books by erasing the longstanding record of 7.82econds set by compatriot, Glory Alozie, in 1999.

Speaking on the feat yesterday, AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, told The Guardian that Amusan has proven beyond doubt that she is a true Nigerian ambassador both on and off the track.

“I always have that confidence that Amusan will deliver any time she steps onto the track. I have spoken with her and congratulated her for this wonderful performance in Astana. I have equally told her to always stay focused, do the
needful, do all her out of competition tests. It is the same message I give to all Nigerian athletes. This is the year of the Olympic Games, and I believe Amusan will deliver big for Team Nigeria,” Okowa stated.

The AFN boss hinted that the federation has already rolled out its plans for the athletes and their coaches ahead of the Africa Games billed for Ghana in March, as well as other competitions, including the Olympic Games in Paris, France.

Okowa, who is also the president, Africa Region 2 Athletics body, also said: “It is a new athletics season, and earlier this week, I stayed awake to watch Temitope Adeshina erase the high jump record held by Doreen Amata. I have also stayed awake to watch other Nigerian athletes, including Godson Brume and Favour Ofili compete. I am so glad with their performances so far, and I want them to maintain it, just as I pray that God will protect them from any form of injury.

“As I always say, Amusan’s performance is a testament to her hard work. This is just the beginning for her, and I have no doubt that Amusan will continue to achieve great milestones in her career.”