Numerous Nigerian athletes will compete for spots on Team Nigeria during the AFN National Trials, which commence today at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
The purpose of this event is to select athletes to represent Nigeria at the African Senior Championships in Douala, Cameroon, and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Top Nigerian track and field stars, both prominent and emerging, have gathered in the historic city for the trials.
Among the notable athletes expected to compete are women’s 100-meter hurdles world record holder Oluwatobiloba Amusan, Favour Ofili, Chidi Okezie, Udodi Onwuzurike, Alaba Akintola, Itsekiri Usheoritse, Ruth Usoro, Ese Brume, Seye Ogunlewe, and Edose Ibadan.
NCAA collegiate athletes will also participate, with names like Omolara Ogunmakinju, Godson Oghenebrume, Favour Ashe, Kanyinsola Ajayi, Ella Onojuvwevwo, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Samuel Ogazi, Tima Seikeseye Godbless, Victory Godah, Rosemary Nwachukwu, Temitope Adeshina, Imaobong Nse Uko, and Opeyemi Oke confirmed to compete.
Read Also:
Home-based athletes and Bahamas heroes such as Justina Eyakpobeyan, Olayinka Olajide, Consider Ekanem, Sunday Okon, Elo Esther Joseph, and veteran Patience Okon-George are also ready for action.
Despite some athletes already securing Olympic spots, the AFN has mandated participation in the trials.
AFN President Tonobok Okowa emphasized that the trials would be the sole qualifying standard for those aiming to represent Nigeria in Paris.
“The athletes will be selected based on their performance at the trials, which will largely determine who goes to Paris for the Olympics,” Okowa stated.
“They have shown commitment, determination, and desire to succeed by achieving Olympic qualifications.
They deserve our collective appreciation.”
The executive chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon.
Yusuf Alli assured that athletes and spectators would enjoy their time in Benin City during the three-day event.
“We are the hosts of the national trials, and athletes and spectators are welcome,” Alli said.
He recalled past Nigerian Trials as festive occasions where athletes and spectators were entertained and treated with dignity, promising to revive those memories.
The AFN National Trials are set to be an exciting and crucial event, showcasing the best of Nigerian athletics as they prepare for international competitions.
