Jolly Nyame Stadium solves AFN’s search for northern competition venue, says Okowa

President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tonobok Okowa

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), at the weekend, said it has for long been searching for standard stadiums in the northern part of the country to host its competitions.

That problem, according to the Federation, has been solved by the Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo, Taraba State. AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, led the AFN on an inspection visit of the stadium shortly after the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) at the Taraba State final.

Speaking after the tour, Okowa, however, expressed sadness at the present situation of the stadium, saying, “What I can say is the maintenance.”

Promising to use his office to push for the rehabilitation of the tracks for tournaments to be hosted in the near future. Okowa, who disclosed that the association is already working out plans to bring in competitions to the state, said “If the governor wants to do something for us, we will really be happy. I will love AFN to bring competitions here. It would be a good thing.”

And we have been looking for places in the north that can host athletics competitions.

“We will love to do that if they can. It wouldn’t cost that much,” he said. Elated by Okowa’s commendation, Taraba State’s Director of Sports, George Shitta, said the NOC election has not only brought all sporting presidents down to the state, but has also helped in exposing the Jolly Nyame Stadium to the entire globe.

He assured the AFN that “before the end of the first quarter of next year, we will have a tournament here,” adding, “it is a welcome development for sports and athletics in Taraba State.”

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