Aluko Draws Line on AFFAN Leadership, Membership Structure

By Maxwell Kumoye 

President and founder of the Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN), Dr Toyin Aluko, has reaffirmed that the organisation was created exclusively to protect the interests and preserve the contributions of retired Nigerian female international athletes.

Speaking amid internal disagreements over the association’s leadership structure, Aluko said AFFAN was established in 2017 to ensure that women who had represented Nigeria on the global stage remained active in sports administration, mentorship and policy-making after retirement.

She noted that the association was formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) by a group of former international athletes, including Ngozi Mamma, Halima Benjamin, Funke Oshonaike, Adeola Opeifa and Cecilia Arinye.

According to Aluko, the vision behind AFFAN goes beyond social interaction among retired athletes, describing the body as a platform designed to harness the experience and knowledge of former stars for the benefit of Nigerian sports.

“Athletes dedicate their lives to representing the country and should continue to have a voice even after leaving competition,” Aluko said.

The AFFAN founder dismissed suggestions that the organisation was set up to rival the National Association of Women in Sports (NAWIS), explaining that both bodies serve different purposes within the sports ecosystem.

While NAWIS accommodates women with a passion for sports regardless of background, Aluko maintained that AFFAN’s identity is tied specifically to former international athletes.

At the centre of the dispute is a constitutional provision that restricts eligibility for top offices such as president, vice-president and secretary-general to women who represented Nigeria in sports recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Aluko defended the clause, arguing that athletes who have competed for Nigeria at events such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and African Games possess experiences that are essential for effective leadership of the association.

She said the provision was introduced to preserve AFFAN’s original mission and ensure that the organisation remains a true reflection of retired Nigerian female internationals.

Aluko also revealed that AFFAN has for years campaigned for greater inclusion of women, especially former athletes, in sports administration and federation boards.

She praised National Sports Commission official Chief Bukola Olopade for creating opportunities for dialogue between AFFAN and NAWIS as stakeholders continue efforts to strengthen women’s participation in sports governance.

The AFFAN president further alleged that opposition to the leadership requirements stemmed from individuals who did not represent Nigeria internationally but sought to occupy the association’s highest offices.

Despite the disagreements, she expressed confidence that AFFAN would emerge stronger, noting that the Board of Trustees is reviewing aspects of the constitution while taking steps to protect the integrity of the association.

Looking to the future, Aluko said AFFAN must remain a lasting institution for current and future female sporting icons, mentioning world-class athletes such as Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume.

She said the association should continue to serve as a bridge that allows retired athletes to contribute through leadership, mentorship and advocacy.

“For every female athlete who wears the colours of Nigeria, there must be a place where her experience remains valuable after retirement,” Aluko said.