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By Monica Iheakam
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has given reasons why the proposed African U18 and U20 championship camp was moved from Abuja to Asaba, Delta State.
AFN Technical Director, Samuel Onikeku, in a statement explained that the shifting of the venue from the High Performance Centre in Abuja to Asaba is to enable the athletes train with the best of equipment which were used at the 21st National Sports Festival held just last December in the state.
‘The invited athletes are now to arrive in Asaba from Wednesday April 12, 2023 to begin preparations for the Championship which has helped to produce some of the household names in Nigerian track and field today.’
Over 55 athletes have been invited to camp as the AFN begins the process of unearthing the next big stars that will go on to make history at international Championships and Games.
Some of the invited athletes include Tima Godbless who successfully completed a sprint double at the National Sports Festival in Asaba last December and Faith Okwose, the 17 year old who rose from a 12 seconds runner early in 2022 to set a new 11.44 personal best enroute to winning the 100m silver at the Festival.
Also listed are 18 year old Ronke Ashabi who set a new Nigeria 3000m U20 record at the AFN U20 trials in Kaduna, Sule Rejoice Adijatu, Okpah Elo Blessing,
Aladeloye Adetutu Funmilayo, Immaculate Daniel, Rosemary Etim and Grace Sule.
The Africa U18 and U20 Championships will be held from April 29 to May 3, 2023 in Ndola, Zambia.
Nigeria finished third (13 gold, six silver and 13 bronze medals) behind South Africa and Kenya at the last edition of the championships held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
