Lagos – Omatseye Nesiama, the Technical Director, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), on Thursday said that the body would not deny talented children of the opportunity to excel in sports.
But parents should utilise the events organised by state associations and the AFN to expose their talented children to their choice sports, Nesiama told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
Nesiama was reacting to allegations by some parents that AFN was biased in its selection of athletes for training and representation of the country at international meets.
“AFN is never going to deprive a child that is talented of the opportunity to do the country proud. But parents on their part should try to register their children for competitions.
“They can feature for exposure in our youth competitions designed for 15 to 17 years old; there are competitions by the states association also.
“We have not disappointed the parents in the past and we will not do it now,’’ he told NAN.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
He said that parents should endeavour to register their children for sports events for the AFN to give them the needed recognition.
“Every talented child in Nigeria who has featured in athletics competitions since I assumed office has been supported to the best of his or her ability.
“They have improved because after identifying them, we have been able to register them for international competitions.
“We have the likes of Divine Oduduru, Ese Brume, Bolaji Omotayo to mention a few,’’ Nesiama said.
He noted that engaging in sports was also good for developing children mentally. (NAN)