Igboka Hails Anambra Duo At C’Wealth Games, Urges Recognition For Athletes
Johnny Igboka, a national athletics coach has commended Anambra athletes that are part of Team Nigeria at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Igboka, a veteran high jumper and retired Chief Coach of Team Anambra who made the commendation in Awka on Thursday said athletics remained the powerhouse of sports but poorly celebrated.
He said athletes deserved recognition, encouragement, and proper representation noting that the silence on the success of athletics in Anambra was disturbing.
He blamed what he considered the docility of the State Athletics Association for failing to highlight the performances and achievements of the young athletes, both within Nigeria and internationally.
Igboka said non recognition of athletes was discouraging and many were losing confidence because of the neglect.
“The current state of athletics in Anambra is unacceptable, we need a functional association which should draw the attention of the government to the outstanding performances of our athletes.
“Anambra athletes have continued to perform exceptionally well at national and international levels, yet their achievements receive little or no recognition.
“At the moment, we have the duo of Miracle Ezechukwu and Chigozie Nwankwo doing Nigeria proud at the Commonwealth Games.
“At the just concluded junior games in Senegal, Chioma Edeh won gold for Nigeria in 400m Hurdles girls and Silver U18 Girls’ 800m,” he said.
Igboka called for intensified preparation ahead of the upcoming national competitions in Lagos while expressing confidence that Anambra athletes would perform well.
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He expressed confidence in the ability of the Commissioner for Sports and the Director to drive the sector while calling for equal attention for all sports.
“I believe the Commissioner for Sports is committed to developing sports in Anambra but the associations must help him with useful and timely information,” he said.
