“Poor Support, Not Disloyalty, Forces Nigerian Athletes Abroad” – Ex-AFN president

• Ex-president of Athletics Federation of Nigeria Dan Ngerem says poor support drives athletes abroad.

• He warns that without reforms, more stars like Favour Ofili will leave.

• Nigeria must treat athletics as a serious, well-managed business.

Dan Ngerem, former president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, says Nigeria’s weak support system drives top stars away – not any lack of loyalty.

Also Read: “it’s disheartening and painful.” – AFN Reacts as Ofili Switches Allegiance

He points out that, although Nigeria invests heavily from primary school through elite training, it doesn’t keep that promise once athletes hit the world stage.

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Ngerem told M4S TV :

> “We invest heavily until they arrive on the global stage. But then the system collapses and there’s no follow-through on their welfare or career management.”

He blasts the federation for chasing medals at the expense of long-term care.

That shortsighted focus leaves athletes vulnerable when other countries offer clear career paths.

> “Countries serious about sports understand it’s a business—they plan, fund and manage careers,” – he added.

Ngerem calls out how Nigeria abandons injured or retired athletes.

He recalls Paralympians stranded at the airport after winning medals – proof that this neglect drives talent to greener pastures.

> “Why fault someone for choosing a system that values their hard work?” – he asked.

With the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo around the corner, Ngerem says he won’t be surprised if Favour Ofili and others defect.

Ofili just set a 150m world record at the Adidas Atlanta City Games but now faces administrative roadblocks to her Olympic dreams.

If she leaves, she’ll join stars like Obikwelu, Alozie, Ekpo-Umoh, Ogunode and Eid Naser—all lost to better-run federations.

Turkey’s reported $500,000 offers only highlight Nigeria’s failure.

Ngerem warns that only a full overhaul –treating sports as the business it is can stop this talent drain.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria must fund, plan and manage athletes’ careers if it wants stars to stay.