The National Sports Commission (NSC) of Nigeria has taken steps to engage Cuban coaches to enhance the technical department of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). This move is in preparation for the 2027 World Championships in China and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The decision was made after the NSC evaluated the performance of the AFN at the World Athletics Ultimate Challenge in Budapest, Hungary.
The AFN's technical department faced criticism from NSC officials due to its perceived poor performance. The officials expressed disappointment with the AFN coaches' inability to develop athletes who could break existing records, such as Yusuf Alli's long jump record of 8.27m set in 1989. The NSC has identified three Cuban coaches as potential candidates to strengthen the AFN's technical department.
The Cuban coaches are expected to be based in Nigeria and focus on developing home-based athletes, particularly in events like hurdles and long jump. The NSC is reportedly dissatisfied with the current AFN coaches' performance and aims to revitalize the technical department. This move is intended to improve Nigeria's athletic performance in the coming years.
NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade, has emphasized the Federal Government's commitment to sports development. The focus is on making sports infrastructure more accessible to communities and providing support for Nigeria's women in sports. Olopade highlighted the importance of building neighborhood facilities and supporting state governments in constructing and rehabilitating sports infrastructure.
According to Olopade, access to sports facilities at the community level is crucial for developing athletes and promoting participation in sports. The goal is to create a stronger and more sustainable sports ecosystem in Nigeria. The administration is also working on improving support for Nigerian women in sports, with developments across several women's national teams and sporting federations.
Olopade announced that plans are in place for improved pay for the Super Falcons, which will be announced soon. This move is part of the administration's commitment to inclusivity and support for women's sports. The NSC's efforts aim to enhance Nigeria's athletic performance and provide better opportunities for athletes.
The engagement of Cuban coaches and the focus on community sports infrastructure are part of the NSC's efforts to revitalize Nigeria's sports sector. The 2027 World Championships and 2028 Olympics will provide a platform for Nigerian athletes to showcase their skills, and the NSC is working to ensure they are well-prepared.
Key points
- NSC seeks Cuban coaches to strengthen AFN's technical department ahead of 2027 World Championships and 2028 Olympics.
- Federal Government focuses on making sports infrastructure more accessible to communities and supporting women in sports.
- Improved pay for Super Falcons to be announced soon.
