Former African hurdles champion, Henry Amike has urged Nigerians hurling brick bats at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria after Nigeria’s failure to pick a medal at the London 2012 Olympics, have no understanding of sports administration in the country.

He argued that the political and social situation in the country made it almost difficult for those in the helm of affairs in Nigerian sports to function properly and unless things are done in the proper way, the country will continue to struggle at international sports events.

“Those who are criticising the AFN and its president Solomon Ogba are missing the point. They should first of all take note of the level of politicking surrounding the funding of sports in Nigeria. Those who are talking loud cannot sit in the comfort of the homes and criticizing without understanding the peculiarity of the the Nigerian environment.

“They are making noise about N2.3 billion. What is that compared to what other major countries are spending to develop their sports?” Amike quarried.

He argued that the inclusion of ex-internationals in the athletics set up was a step in the right direction, however, he urged the sporting authorities to empower the former athletes to enable them groom young athletes. “It is a good thing ex-internationals are being brought on board.

This is the first time they are being invited to camp. There was nothing they could have done in three months of preparations, but now that the Olympics is over, these these ex-internationals should be empowered to enable them work and produce fresh talents.

“You cannot say someone has been employed when he is not given an employment letter or paid salary.

“They need to be encourage with financial incentives so that will have courage to do their work and also win the respect of the athletes they are expected to coach.”