Sports
Onikeku rates 2022 AFN C/wealth Games, World Championship trials high
Athletics Federation of Nigeria AFN, Technical Director of Samuel Onikeku has expressed delight over the performances of Nigerian athletes at the just concluded 2022 AFN Commonwealth Games and World Championship trials in Benin, Edo State on Sunday.
The 100m men and women events produced new champions as Favour Ashe ran 9.99s in the men’s race while Grace Nwokocha clocked 11.03s in the women’s event.
The Ex Athlete said the standard of athletics in Nigeria is drastically improving and the high spirit of competitiveness is returning to the second most popular sport in Nigeria.
While speaking on the general success of the trials, Onikeku said, “The Commonwealth Games and World Championship trials have ended well and the world has seen some superlative performances, especially in the 100m Women with the time of 11.03s while in the 100m men had a time of 9.99s.
“The last time an athlete ran a sub nine in the country was in 2003 by former National Champion, Deji Aliu; so these have made the competition go well. The Federation is excited with the performance of the 4x100m men and hopefully that they participate in the World Championship in Oregon next July.”
Onikeku revealed that plans are underway for Team Nigeria to begin camping exercises in the United States of America (USA).
“Nigeria is ready for the World Championship and plans are in progress to ensure the athletes camp in US before the World Championship begins.
“If you are observant, you will notice that our relay team has not been together for a long time; in fact they practiced just two days before the trials. Once the Federation is able to finalize plans, the relay team will spend more time together to practice and run a better time. Our target is to get to the finals first and possibly shock the world by picking a medal.”
He expressed optimism that Nigeria can win more medals at the forthcoming World Championship in Oregon.
He said, “For the World Athletics Championship, the Federation believes that the athletes will still continue to make that podium performance.
“Remember Ese Brume has been performing well in all International Championships she has been participating in, also believe that Tobi Amusan will come through because of her excellent performances in the last six months.”
“National Champion, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the shot can scale through with his current form and the present 4x100m men have a brighter prospect. The country has a very good team even with our 4x100m relay for Women and if Favour Ofili comes into the team, we will see that we have a very strong team”, he added.
Sports
Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: 10 Years of Excellence with 600,000 Athletes from 14 Countries Covering 42,000 KM
The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has solidified its reputation as one of Africa’s leading road races, and as it marks its 10th-anniversary edition, the numbers tell a story of remarkable growth and impact.
Since its inception, the marathon has attracted participants from 14 countries, with a staggering 600,000 registered athletes taking to the streets of Lagos. Over the past decade, these runners have collectively covered an impressive 42,000 kilometers, reinforcing the marathon’s place in the global athletics calendar.
The 10th edition, set for February 15, 2025, is expected to be the most exciting yet, with elite athletes, amateur runners, and fitness enthusiasts converging in Lagos for a world-class sporting spectacle.
With top-tier sponsors such as Access Bank, Casio (official time partner), Airtel (official telecommunications partner), Lagos State Government, World Athletics, 7Up, Rexona, Unilever, ROBB, Premier, Brila Media, Athletics Federation of Nigeria, FINERGE, and Aquafina, the marathon continues to raise the bar in terms of organization, prize money, and global recognition.
Leading up to the race, fans and participants will engage in the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Expo from February 3-13, featuring fitness activities, brand activations, and exhibitions.
Additionally, superstar artists are set to thrill fans with live performances at the finish line, ensuring an unforgettable experience beyond the race.
As Lagos counts down to the big day, excitement is at an all-time high. Whether as competitors, spectators, or supporters, everyone is gearing up to make the 10th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon a landmark celebration in the world of sports and entertainment.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured3 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports2 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News1 month agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured5 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
