Budapest 2023: Adhere strictly to set standards, FG tells AFN as Brume’s mother pleads for son

Okwose

The Federal Government, yesterday, warned the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to uphold professionalism and ensure strict adherence to the rules governing selection of athletes for the 2023 World Championships billed for Budapest, Hungary.

This comes on the heels of a plea by Godson Brume’s inclusion in the team by his mother, Mrs. Adaka Sally, who pleaded force majeur for her ward’s absence from the trials in Benin City.

Yesterday, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, expressed optimism that with the calibre of AFN members, Nigeria would present its best athletes from the trials to compete at the World Championships.

He assured that the Ministry is committed to providing equal opportunity for all athletes, both local and foreign, to compete at the trials with a view to having the best athletes to represent Nigeria at the Competition.

Ismaila added that the Ministry would continue to ensure full implementation of the policies and initiatives put in place by the Federal Government with a view to providing opportunities for the youth to develop their sporting talents in line with the policy thrust of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration.

Citing AFN’s promise that only athletes at the national trials would be taken to Hungary, the ministry expressed belief that the federation would lead Nigeria to a successful outing at the World Championships.

Meanwhile, the failure of American-based Nigeria speed star, Godson Brume, to appear at the National Trials in Benin City, Edo State, is causing apprehension in his family.

Pleading with the AFN to temper justice with mercy, Godson’s mother explained: “My son did everything he could to be in Benin City for