Several national record holders are gearing up to participate in this year’s highly anticipated national trials, where Nigeria’s representatives for the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, will be selected.
The athletes, known for their exceptional performances and outstanding achievements, are expected to showcase their skills in Benin City, the capital of Edo State.
Yusuf Alli, the chairman of the organizing committee appointed by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), expressed his confidence in the state’s ability to host the best championship ever. Last year, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City served as the venue for the national trials, which saw the selection of athletes for both the World Championships in Oregon, United States, and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
Alli commended the government and people of Edo State for their enthusiasm in hosting the event for the second time. He noted that the athletes would be delighted to return as they had received exceptional treatment and hospitality during their previous visit. Alli also highlighted the incredible success Team Nigeria achieved in Oregon, where Tobi Amusan broke a world record and secured a gold medal for the country. Ese Brume also claimed a silver medal, marking Nigeria’s best-ever performance in the history of the World Championships.
Expressing his excitement, Alli, whose Long Jump record from 1989 in Lagos still stands today, stated that they were fully prepared for this year’s national trials. He assured the athletes that they would enjoy the excellent facilities and arrangements that had been put in place.
Alli emphasized that Edo State is the leading sporting state in Nigeria, crediting the government’s significant investment in sports as the driving force behind the remarkable results being achieved.
Rita Mosindi, the Secretary General of the AFN, announced that the first group of foreign-based athletes would arrive in Benin City that day. While she didn’t provide specific details regarding the athletes, it is anticipated that renowned stars such as Tobiloba Amusan, the reigning World Champion in sprint hurdles, and Ese Brume, the silver medalist from the previous edition, would grace the ancient city of Benin for the World Athletics Championship trials.
Other notable athletes expected to compete include Favour Ofili, a talented sprinter, Nathaniel Ezekiel, a 400m hurdles runner, Nnamdi Prosper, a javelin thrower, and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, a shot put thrower. Ruth Usoro, Chioma Onyekwere, Godson Brume, Udodi Onwuzurike, Samuel Ogazi, and the experienced Patience Okon-George are also among the esteemed athletes expected to showcase their prowess. The 2023 World Championships are scheduled to take place in Budapest next month, and all eyes will be on the Nigerian contingent as they aim to make their mark on the international stage once again.
