By Priscilia Adeyemi

Samuel Onikeku, a respected athletics administrator and Sports Secretary of the Nigeria Customs Service, has been re-elected as the Military and Paramilitary Representative on the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).  

The election took place on Thursday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, with delegates from various military and paramilitary sporting bodies in attendance.

Onikeku was returned unopposed, marking a strong vote of confidence in his leadership and contributions to athletics development within the security services.

Onikeku previously served as Technical Director on the outgoing AFN board and held the same representative position in the past.

His re-election extends a tenure widely regarded for fostering synergy between armed forces' sports units and Nigeria's athletics community. “I am honored by this re-election and deeply appreciate the confidence reposed in me,” Onikeku said after the poll.

“My focus will remain on fostering discipline, excellence, and opportunity for athletes across all services, while strengthening synergy with the civilian athletics community.”

Widely credited for nurturing top talents from military and paramilitary institutions, Onikeku has played a pivotal role in discovering athletes who have gone on to represent Nigeria at continental and global levels.

His re-election ensures continuity in the strategic coordination between institutional blocs and the AFN, which oversees the governance and promotion of track and field in Nigeria.

The new AFN board comprises elected representatives from geopolitical zones, affiliates, and key interest groups, with its mandate to reposition Nigerian athletics for greater competitiveness and international acclaim.