By Ebube Dike

The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Engr Ibrahim Shehu Gusau is hopeful that some Nigerian athletes will be able to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo ahead of today’s National Trials holding at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex on Thursday.

Speaking after he was returned for another four year term, a passionate Gusau said the athletes can still surmount the political issues that bedeviled the federation and qualify for the Olympic Games in Tokyo especially the relays.

The National trials’ objective is to ensure qualification for the Games.

“We also hope that athletes who are yet to qualify for the games, especially in the relays, get an opportunity to do so”, Gusau said.

Sequel to the drama that engulfed the AFN, the president said that his aspiration was to ensure that Nigeria wins at least three gold medals and set new national and Olympics records.

“Before now, my focus was to see how the Athletics Federation of Nigeria can win about three gold medals.

“The total number of medals won since Nigeria started attending the Olympics has been three medals, but my target for this Olympics is to have 3 gold medals supposing everything works well”, Gusau said.

He confirmed that the board is still not deterred in its quest to provide a conducive atmosphere for its athletes to thrive. Gusau promised to continue providing the needed support for the athletes as they continue their Olympics preparation.

“I pray Nigerians make it. It is my passion. We have passionate board members and stakeholders in athletics. It is our passion for athletes to make a podium appearance at the Tokyo Games “ Gusau said .