A Member representing Southwest in the current board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN),
Olalekan Soetan, has said the federation will benefit from the return of Mrs. Maria Worphil into the board.
Worphil, a former Secretary and board member of the AFN, rejoined the board following her recent appointment as the Representative of the Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN).
Soetan, a member of the AFN Technical Committee, described Worphil’s inclusion as “a gain for competence, structure, and reform-minded leadership,” noting that her wealth of experience and deep
institutional knowledge come at a crucial time for the Federation’s continued growth and stability.
Worphil, a retired Director from the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the longest-serving Secretary General of the AFN, was honoured in 2019 by World Athletics (then IAAF) with
the prestigious Veteran Pin Award for her outstanding service to athletics.
Soetan noted that her background as both a former international athlete and a veteran sports administrator, makes her “one of the best-positioned individuals to strengthen the Federation’s governance and administrative systems.”
“I am genuinely pleased to welcome Mrs. Maria Worphil to our Executive Board,” Soetan said.
“Her wealth of experience as a former athlete, accomplished civil servant, and respected administrator comes at a defining moment for Nigerian athletics. She bridges the gap between institutional memory and modern reform, the kind of balance our sport urgently needs.”
Soetan further emphasised that Mrs. Worphil’s inclusion represents a positive step towards integrating
seasoned professionals and credible female voices into national sports leadership.
“This move aligns with global best practices and World Athletics’ governance principles. The AFN stands
to benefit greatly from her insight, maturity, and independence. Her voice on the board commands respect, and her understanding of sports governance at both local and international levels aligns perfectly with our mission to rebuild the AFN into a stronger, more professional institution,” he added.
Reaffirming his personal commitment to collaborative progress, Soetan expressed readiness to work
harmoniously with Mrs. Worphil and other board members to advance policies that promote transparency, technical development, and athlete welfare across the Federation.
“For me, this is more than a welcome; it is a reconnection of purpose. Having witnessed her
administrative leadership as a young coach, I know her discipline and compassion are unmatched. Her inclusion from AFFAN at this crucial period is a tremendous boost to the Federation’s credibility and collective progress,” he stated.
