Ex-Sprinter urges AFN to commence early preparations for 2020 Olympics

Fredrick Agbaje, a former Nigerian 100m, and 200m sprinter, has urged the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to commence early preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan.

Agbaje told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the telephone from Dallas, U.S., that Team Nigeria’s outing at the just-concluded World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar was disappointing.

Ese Brume won Nigeria’s only medal at the Games with a bronze in the Women’s long jump.

“Ese Brume did well for Nigeria by winning the only medal at the Championships,’’ he said.

According to him, this is the time to start preparations for the Olympic Games.

“We need to give special attention to Ofili, the 17-year-old female 400m athlete because she is full of talent and a potential medal winner in her event,’’ he added.

Agbaje also urged the athletes to step up their performances for future events.

“ I appeal to Nigerian athletes, the past, present, and future that the time has come for us to take responsibility for what is happening to our sports.

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The blame on administrators, government is out of fashion. The time has come for us to bring our experience to bear and improve on the sport,’’ he said. (NAN)