By BETHEL OBINNA, Abuja
Incumbent President of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria Solomon Ogba on Tuesday battled in an energy sapping election to return as the President of the board by defeating Hon. Ibrahim Gusau 7votes to 3 after the first three voting failed to produce a winner as they tied at five votes.

Ogba whose immediate past board has lifted the sport said the victory was for all athletes; past and present and pledged to surpass his achievement by ensuring that Nigeria does not lag in the committee of world sports.

He noted that the election was worth it as the contest proved that the era of selection on to the board of the federation was over and called on his board members to gird their loins and get ready to work round the clock so as to make sure that the country excels in all international and continental competitions.

Ogba maintained that the AFN would intensify its drive for grassroots development which would pave way for replacement of ageing athletes, open more chances for the country to amass medals at the various competitions.

“I am grateful to my board members who have confidence in my ability to lead the federation again. I want to say that what we witnessed was a worthy election and that would spur us to really work and take the sport to a greater height.”

In another development, the President of Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Sani Ndanusa was returned unopposed as the President of Nigerian Tennis Federation.

Ndanusa, a former minister of Sports said while celebrating his victory that his re-election, though unopposed is a big challenge and assured tennis loving Nigerians that his board would do its best to reposition the sport.