By Sunny Bako

Veteran sports journalist Dr. Nneka Anibeze has formally conceded defeat and pledged support for former Nigerian track star Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju, following her election as the National Association of Women in Sports (NAWIS) Representative on the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) board.

This development came after a post-election reconciliatory meeting convened by the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, held on Monday in Abuja. The meeting brought both Yusuf-Olukoju and Anibeze to the table in a bid to resolve any lingering tensions from the keenly contested poll.

Yusuf-Olukoju had emerged victorious in the election, securing a majority of votes to become NAWIS's new voice on the AFN board. Speaking after the reconciliation meeting, the Olympian expressed joy at the peaceful resolution and lauded the NSC leadership for fostering unity in Nigerian sports.

“The DG is one person that can bring everybody to the table and make us talk, which is what we need. We’re all a family. People fight, but the goal is to amend and move on,” she said. “There are no hard feelings between Nneka and me. She’s passionate about athletics and covered me as an athlete. I consider her an AFN ambassador, and we’ll work together to move the federation forward.”

Anibeze, in her remarks, praised the NSC for stepping in at a critical time to prevent post-election disputes from escalating.

“I thank the DG for brokering peace. It could have gone badly, but he called everyone together, and we’ve now agreed to work as one. Fatima is an athletics icon and shares the same passion for women and girls in sports as I do. We both want the same thing, and with unity, better days are ahead,” Anibeze said.

Meanwhile, NAWIS has commended the NSC for its effective supervisory role in ensuring a transparent process and peaceful resolution. The association urged all stakeholders to rally behind Yusuf-Olukoju in advancing opportunities for girls and women in Nigerian sports.