The Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has denied focusing on the development of track events to the detriment of field events.

Neisiama Omatseye, AFN Technical Director, made the denial in an interview in Lagos on Sunday.He was reacting to claims by some field athletes who accused the federation of focusing on track events more than the field events.

Omatseye said in a telephone chat that what was really affecting the growth of field events in the country was lack of equipment."It is not true that the federation is focusing on the development of track events more than field events.

"In most of our national tournaments, field events are included, for we know that athletic is both track and field."What is really affecting field event is lack of facilities," Omatseye said.

He then promised that the federation would focus on equipment upgrade next year for athletes to perform better.The director, however, pointed out that what was required of athletes was for them to be the best in their various events.

"We know that the availability of standard equipment goes a long way in assisting athlete performance better than with inferior gadgets.

"However, we expect athletes in whatever event to ensure they are the best in spite of inadequate facilities. It is only the way they can excel in competitions."

He said the federation was aware of the problems confronting the athletes and was ready to solve them based on available resources.

NAN