A brighter season awaits Nigerian athletes — AFN Performance Director, Okorie

For Victor Okorie, a 400m hurdles silver medallist at the 2003 African Games, every season in Nigerian athletics is a new race; one that starts long before the starter’s gun goes off.

As a board member and Performance Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Okorie’s mission is clear: to see Nigerian athletes thrive on home soil and beyond.

In a recent chat, the U.S.-based former hurdler spoke passionately about what lies ahead for the country’s track and field stars and the bright prospects surrounding the 2026 Enugu National Sports Festival.

“Athletes should prepare for an eventful year,” Okorie said with a confident smile.

“The AFN board has been working around the clock to ensure that next season’s calendar comes out early. We want to give athletes enough time to prepare properly, mentally, physically, and emotionally.”

A BUSY YEAR AHEAD

Next year will be nothing short of a marathon for Nigeria’s sports community.

With the: National Sports Festival, Confederation of African Athletics Championships, World Relay Championship, Commonwealth Games, AFN National Trials, 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships, World Athletics U-20 Championships and Youth Olympics Games

A packed athletics programme all lined up, Okorie believes the stage is set for one of the busiest and most exciting years in recent memory.

To ensure athletes are well-equipped, the AFN is seeking partnerships with reputable sportswear brands. Okorie said discussions are ongoing with several companies willing to provide high-quality, performance-driven kits.

“We want our athletes to feel proud in what they wear,” he explained. “The right partnership will not just be about appearance, but also motivation, comfort, and pride in representing Nigeria.”

SPORTS AS BUSINESS, NOT JUST COMPETITION

Okorie praised the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its continued support but also made a passionate appeal to private and corporate investors to step into the arena.

To him, sports should be seen as serious business; one capable of driving economic growth and empowering youth across the country.

“Athletics can be more than medals,” he said thoughtfully. “It can build brands, create jobs, and inspire communities. That’s the direction we need to take.”

ENUGU 2026 – NOT JUST A FESTIVAL

As one of the organizers of the upcoming Enugu 2026 National Sports Festival, Okorie’s excitement is palpable. To him, the event isn’t just about winning medals; it’s about celebrating people, culture, and opportunity.

“Hosting the festival will open doors for Enugu,” he said. “It will attract business, enhance tourism, and strengthen relationships across states. It’s truly a win-win moment.”

Okorie revealed that Enugu athletes will compete in all 36 sporting events, adding that the state aims to rank among the top three on the medals table or even clinch the overall title.

He is confident that with world-class facilities, increased allowances, and the state’s renewed energy, Enugu has all it takes to challenge long-standing powerhouses like Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, and Bayelsa.

“We’re ready,” he said with conviction. “Enugu has the athletes, the heart, and the hunger to succeed. We’re not just hosting the games – we’re competing to win.”

COMMENDS NSC, SEEK FOR MORE CORPORATE SUPPORT

Victor Okorie, lauded the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its continued support and funding of the federation’s programmes.

Okorie described the NSC’s intervention as a vital boost to the growth of athletics in the country, noting that the commission’s commitment has kept the sport alive despite financial challenges.

He, however, called on corporate organizations and public institutions to complement the government’s efforts by investing in athletics development across Nigeria.

According to him, such partnerships would not only enhance talent discovery and training but also help Nigeria compete favorably with leading athletics nations around the world.

He emphasized that with increased sponsorship and better facilities, Nigerian athletes have the potential to dominate the global athletics stage once again.

A VISION BEYOND THE FINISH LINE

Victor Okorie, firmly believes that the true beauty of athletics lies not only in competition but in the connections it builds between people, states, and dreams.

As Enugu 2026 approaches, his words echo a deeper vision for Nigerian sports; one that blunges ambition, unity, and business growth.

“Sports can transform lives,” the 44 year old multi talented former athlete concluded. “If we nurture it right, it will reward us all – athletes, fans, and the nation.