In a stern warning, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has declared its intention to bar foreign-based athletes from participating in the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, if they fail to attend the national trials in Benin City, Edo State.
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The AFN Secretary General, Rita Mosindi, made the announcement, stating that the federation has a strict policy for selecting athletes for major competitions, including the World Championships.
According to the policy, any athlete who does not participate in the national trials would be automatically disqualified from the Budapest event.
The only exception allowed is if an athlete can provide substantial evidence of being medically unfit, which the AFN medical team and board would review before making a decision.
Mosindi asserted that, as of now, no athlete has officially informed the AFN about their inability to attend the national trials. The federation has only heard rumors regarding some athletes’ potential absences.
Nonetheless, the AFN remains firm on its stance: without participation in the trials, the ticket to Budapest will be forfeited.
AFN’s Technical Director, Samuel Onikeku, reinforced this message, emphasizing that even athletes who have already achieved the A Standard for the World Championships must still be registered by the AFN to be eligible for the event. Failure to show up in Benin City will be at the athlete’s own risk.
Despite the strict warning, over 12 foreign-based athletes have already arrived in Benin City to participate in the trials. Notable names include sprinters Alaba Akintola and Tima Godbless, 400m runners Ella Onouvevwo and Ezekiel Nathaniel, and triple jumper Ruth Usoro.
The remaining foreign-based throwers are also expected to join the camp shortly.
Additionally, star athletes Tobiloba Amusan, the reigning sprint hurdles world champion, and Udodi Onwuzurike, Nigeria’s best 200m runner, are set to arrive in Benin City today, according to Mosinde. Tobi Amusan’s travel plans from Sweden were disrupted, but she is expected to make it in time for the trials.
With the championship commencing tomorrow and concluding on Thursday, the AFN’s firm stance on national trial attendance sends a clear message to all foreign-based athletes aspiring to represent Nigeria at the prestigious 2023 World Championships in Hungary.
The trials will be a crucial platform for athletes to showcase their talents and secure their spots on the national team, and those who skip this opportunity risk missing out on the international stage.
