AFN sets up youth development camps

By Ben Efe
Athletics Federation of Nigeria president, Solomon Ogba has revealed plans to set up youth development camps in three zones of the country to groom young talents discovered from grassroots competitions.

Ogba who was speaking in Lagos stated that discussions are on with governments of some States in the South East, North and South West to aid the federation in its quest to pursue its “well thought-out” grassroots development programme that will churn out quality athletes in the next five years.

“We are going to have three camps. We want the athletes that are discovered to be camped there and at the same time be going to school. So we have asked the State governments to help with schools we can put these kids.

“Besides we are going to have holiday camps for students. We have coaches who will be at these centres. We are doing this with the intentions of having a pool of talents athletes,” said Ogba.

He said that coaches will be on the look-out at the up coming Pastor D.K Olukoya Under-17 Championships billed for March in Lagos. Ogba added that the championships will also serve as a selection trial for the African Youth Championships scheduled for March in Warri.