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Onikeku rates 2022 AFN C/wealth Games, World Championship trials high

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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.

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NVBF seeks continuous partnership with Abia Govt after successful 2025 Nat Div 1 & 2

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Joel Ajayi

The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) have expressed profound appreciation to the Government and people of Abia State for their outstanding support and collaboration during the successful hosting of the final phase of the 2025 National Division 1 and 2 Volleyball Leagues.

In a statement signed by Engineer Musa Nimrod, NVBF President, the federation commended Abia State for its warm hospitality and commitment to the development of sports, particularly volleyball.

Nimrod explained that the successful event was a result of the strong partnership between the federation and the state government.

He said, “The Board of Administration of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, on behalf of the entire volleyball community in the country, wishes to express profound gratitude to the Government and people of Abia State for their noble collaboration in organizing the final phase of Division 1 and 2.”

He further highlighted that Abia State is gradually becoming a hub for volleyball in Nigeria.

Nimrod attributed the growth of volleyball to the government’s investment in youth and sports development.

He emphasised the NVBF desire to sustain and strengthen this partnership to further promote volleyball and empower young athletes across the nation.

“The federation remains grateful and looks forward to a more robust and progressive partnership with the Abia State Government in the future.”

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