Dr. Ajim
By LAWRENCE OSHODI (Sports Correspondent) –
To avoid further poor showing at the next World Athletics Championships scheduled to hold in Beijing, China, from 11th -19th September, 2027, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), has been called upon to immediately swing into early preparations to bring more laurels to Nigeria.
Benue State Director-General, Plenipotentiary and Liaison Affairs, Abuja, Dr. Jimmy Ajim, who made the call in a statement on Monday, lamented that the World Athletics Championships ended over the weekend with Nigeria winning just one Silver Medal in 100 metres – Hurdles, courtesy of Miss Tobi Amusan, owing to her consistent, brilliant performance at the world stage.
Besides the athletics fiesta, Dr. Ajim also drew the attention of the relevant bodies to the next Olympics expected hold in Los Angeles, USA, from 14th – 30th July, 2028.
Dr. Ajim particularly advised the AFN to ensure adequate preparation of contingents in the following events:
* Long-distance – where he said “training should be on the mountainous sites of Plateau and Adamawa States to challenge the likes of Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, etc. “
* Short Distance – where “runners may train locally and internationally with necessary support;”
* Swimming – where Dr. Ajim said “athletes should do their staggered trainings in Rivers, Lagos, Ogun, Benue, and Kogi States;” and
* Weightlifting and Boxing – where, according to him, “training could be in various cities in Nigeria, while Cuba may include Boxing.”
He further opined that previous Olympics and World Athletics medal records should be the training focus to ensure that only those who meet certain thresholds attend the events.
Dr. Ajim, emphasized that “a stitch in time saves nine,” however, identified security as the key to effective implementation.
