The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has urged Moslems nationwide to bear with the federation, which is holding its national trials from June 16 to 18.
In a statement, yesterday, AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, described the clash in date with sallah celebration as a coincidence. He said: “The Board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) is not undermining the Sallah Day celebration in the country following a clash in date with the National Trials to select the nation’s athletes for both the African Senior Championships in Douala, Cameroon and the Paris Olympics.
“This clarification becomes necessary following steps by some individuals to paint the AFN as a body that does not have regards for the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) in the country.”
Okowa said the AFN board had earlier explained the circumstances that led to the fixing of the national trials for June 16-18 in Benin City, Edo State, and duly apologised to all Muslim faithful in the country.
“The AFN had earlier fixed the national trials to hold from June 26 to 28, only for the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) to announce a new date of June 21 to 26 for the African Senior Championships in Douala.
“Since the AFN is using the national trials to pick Nigerian athletes for the African Championships in Douala, Cameroon, there is the need to conclude the event in Benin City at least, two days before their departure since majority of the athletes are foreign-based.
“As soon as the African Senior Championships end in Douala, the athletes will on July 1 embark on a training tour overseas ahead the Paris Olympics.
“It is a crowded schedule for the AFN, and we plead with our beloved Muslim brothers and sisters, particularly the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) to bear with us.” He revealed that the AFN in place measures for all our athletes, including Muslims and Christians, to enjoy the Sallah celebration before coming to the stadium to complete.
“Part of the arrangements made by the AFN is to skip the morning programmes for all of us to celebrate the Sallah Day. We have also bought some rams to be slaughtered on Sallah Day for everyone to feel the impact of the celebration. We have bought food and drinks for all our athletes and officials to enjoy the Sallah Day celebration in Benin City.
“Once again, we apologise for any inconveniences this clash in date might cause our Muslim brothers and sisters,” Okowa stated.
