Benin-City, located in Edo State, has transformed into a carnival-like atmosphere as the eagerly awaited AFN National Trials begin at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Sunday (today), with a grand finale scheduled for Tuesday, 18, 2024, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
Top-tier and up-and-coming Nigerian track and field stars have gathered in the historic city for this event, designed to select athletes to represent Nigeria at the African Senior Championships in Douala, Cameroon, and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Expect to witness the competition among renowned athletes like Oluwatobiloba Amusan, the women’s 100-metre hurdles world record holder, along with Favour Ofili, Chidi Okezie, Udodi Onwuzurike, Alaba Akintola, Itsekiri Usheoritse, Ruth Usoro, Ese Brume, Seye Ogunlewe, and Edose Ibadin.
Even NCAA collegiate athletes will be part of the action, with names such as 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 among those confirmed to compete.
Local athletes and heroes from The Bahamas like Justina Eyakpobeyan, Olayinka Olajide, Consider Ekanem, Sunday Okon, Elo Esther Joseph, and veteran Patience Okon-George are equally enthusiastic about the competition.
While some athletes have already secured Olympic spots, all participants are required by the AFN to compete, with president Tonobok Okowa emphasizing that this is the sole qualifying standard for those aiming to represent Nigeria in Paris.
According to Okowa, “Athletes will be selected based on their performance at the trials as it will significantly impact their chances of going to the Olympics in Paris. These athletes have shown dedication, determination, and ambition to excel in their careers by meeting Olympic qualifications. They deserve our collective support.”
During the three-day event in Benin City, athletes can look forward to a memorable experience, supported by the executive chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Yusuf Alli, who stated, “As hosts of the national trials, we extend a warm welcome to athletes and spectators.”
Recalling the vibrant atmosphere of past Nigerian Trials, Alli mentioned the entertainment and respect provided to all athletes and spectators, promising that Edo State aims to recreate those unforgettable moments.