November 23, (THEWILL) – The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), is facing internal turmoil after a probe of its finances. A five-person committee was assembled on September 16, to carry out the investigation, headed by First Vice President, Tafida Gadzama. The committee’s report questioned some financial transactions made by AFN Secretary General, Rita Moshindi.
However, athletes and coaches have critiqued parts of the report, particularly its objection to the refund of a N40 million loan made by AFN President Tonobok Okowa. Okowa had provided the funds to enable the AFN to organise competitions ahead of expected sponsorship funds arriving. Moshindi defended her actions, arguing she had been cleared of misusing funds and was the victim of a “witch-hunt”.
Moshindi, explained that at the start of 2023, the AFN had no money to fund its programmes. She, Gadzama and Technical Director Onikeku appealed to Okowa to lend funds to save the AFN from embarrassment. Moshindi insists this was a loan that the Federation fully intended to refund and not a donation.
The probe has caused rifts within the AFN board. Yet, while investigations into financial transparency are warranted, care must be taken to avoid factional infighting and unfounded accusations. Responsible governance requires fact-based inquiries, not politically motivated attacks.
Governance bodies like the AFN, should therefore be careful not to undermine their own operations and duty of care to athletes through internal power struggles. Responsible leadership means avoiding reactionary inquiries or witch hunts. As the AFN works to resolve this crisis, the focus should remain on supporting Nigerian athletics. Protecting the interests of athletes and the reputation of the sport should be the priority.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
