The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has set up a team to monitor budding athletes that can be nurtured to stardom as the track & field events of the 18th National Sports Festival in Lagos begin on Tuesday next week.

President of the AFN, Chief Solomon Ogba, said Thursday that those saddled with the responsibilities of the talent hunt have been briefed on what to look out for.

"We want to use the festival to see what the states are offering in terms of fresh talents. Those with prospects will be identified and a programme put in place to let them achieve their potentials," stressed the AFN chief.

Ogba reminded states that AFN's zero tolerance for performance enhancing substances was still in place.

"We are urging states to bring athletes that are dope free to the track & field arena. We are going to carry out dope tests on all winners and anyone caught will not only forfeit the medal but face other sanctions like being banned," stressed the AFN president.

He expressed his happiness with the organisation put in place by Lagos State and hoped that the athletic events will live up to expectations of attracting more fans to the stands.

"Track & field is all about crowd. Athletes love to see fans cheering them. I just hope more fans turn up to watch the athletes from the states perform on the track and in the field events" stressed Ogba.