The highly anticipated final leg of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Golden League is set to take place today at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo,
Akwa Ibom State. All eyes will be on the sensational 400m star, Samuel Ogazi, as he aims to continue his dominating form in the competition.
Ogazi, who has been in exceptional form this season, emerged as the standout athlete at the first two legs of the AFN Golden League. In May, at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, he set a new Championship record by clocking an impressive time of 46.01 seconds to claim victory in the 400m race.
Two weeks ago, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, he once again showcased his talent by outpacing all his rivals and clinching the top spot.
Currently leading the men’s 400m lineup with 20 points, Ogazi holds a four-point advantage over second-placed Chidera Johnson.
The 17-year-old prodigy has remained unbeaten throughout the local athletics circuit this season, displaying his immense potential and securing a gold medal for Team Nigeria at the African U-18 and U-20 Athletics Championships in Ndola, Zambia.
However, Ogazi will face stiff competition from experienced athletes in the final leg. Among them are Sikiru Adeyemi, who boasts a Personal Best of 45.93 seconds, and Samson Nathaniel, a two-time Nigerian 400m champion.
These senior contenders will undoubtedly provide a formidable challenge for the young sensation.
The AFN Golden League finale in Uyo promises to be an exciting spectacle, featuring the participation of five reigning African U-18 and U-20 champions. In the women’s 100m event, all eyes will be on Faith Okwose, a double sprint silver medalist at the National Sports Festival and a recent double champion at the African U-18 Championships. Okwose will face tough competition from Praise Ofoku, a finalist in the World U-20 Championships.
In the men’s 100m showdown, the stage is set for an intense battle between 18-year-olds. Kanyinsola Ajayi, the reigning African U-20 champion, will go head-to-head with Sunday Akitan, who holds a dominant 5-1 head-to-head record against the African champion.
The experienced veteran, Patience Okon-George, aims to assert her dominance in the women’s 400m event. Having enjoyed an unbeaten run this year, the 31-year-old Okon-George will seek to prove herself as one of Nigeria’s best athletes.
AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, expressed his anticipation for a fierce competition among the athletes in Uyo.
He emphasized that the federation is eagerly looking forward to the National Trials, scheduled to take place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City from July 6 to 9.
These trials will serve as the platform to select Team Nigeria’s finest talents for the upcoming World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, taking place in August.
As the final leg of the AFN Golden League unfolds in Uyo, fans and spectators can expect a thrilling showcase of athletic prowess, as rising stars and seasoned competitors battle it out for glory and the opportunity to represent their nation on the global stage.
 Golden League is set to take place today at the Godswill){kind=link}