Lagos, July 6, 2023 – President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Chief Tonobok Okowa has commended Edo state government for hosting the 2023 National Trials Championship in Benin.
The 2023 National Trials which have been tagged as Championship of Consolidation, saw athletes coming from different locations across the globe with top stars including world champions Tobi Amusan, Ese Brume, Favour Ashe, new boy Duben Nwachukwu and many others in Benin to literally burn the tartan tracks at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium.
Chief Tonobok Okowa who said he was satisfied with the organisation of the event and happenings so far, urged other states of the federation
to emulate Edo.
”We find Benin comfortable for our national events. The infrastructure is solid. Most importantly,let me commend Edo state government and the Governor for their magnanimity,hosting the 2023 world Athletics Championship Trials.
“Edo state government has done a lot, supporting the Athletics Federation of Nigeria. They have supported with funding, accomodation, feeding us to ensure a successful hosting of the National event in Benin. I thank the Governor Mr Godwin Obaseki and his deputy Rt Hon Philip Shaibu for all that they have done for us.”
He expressed the confidence that Amusan and Brume who already qualified will do Nigeria proud at the 2023 Budapest World Athletics Championship.
It was no surprise as Tobi Amusan claimed Nigeria’s 100m huddle at the event after she opened up a big gap to win the race with a time of 12.70s and will be representing Nigeria in Budapest.
In the Women 100m, Blessing Ogundiran of Edo State emerges champion finishing with a time of 11:50 sec as her PB while Usheoritse Itsekiri won the Men 100m with a time of 10.02secs.
The AFN trials holding in Benin is to select Nigeria’s flag bearers for the world Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary.
