By Goodluck Ikiebe
As the World Athletics Championship Trials enter day two of actions and thrills in Benin City, the Federal Government has commended Edo State Government for hosting the national trials in the State
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, who gave the commendation stated that the The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) began the World Athletics Championship, Budapest 2023 trials in Benin on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 with over 450 athletes, including world champions; Tobi Amusan, Ese Brume and others to literally burn the tartan tracks at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
Alhaji Ismaila, who said that the Federal Government was satisfied with the organisation of the event and happenings so far, urged other States in the country, to emulate Edo, adding that the
infrastructure provided by the State Government for the trials was not only of international standards but also helpful in ensuring a successful hosting of the National event.
He stated further that the Ministry is closely monitoring the trials to ensure that the country has the best athletes to represent it at the Competition.
The Permanent Secretary expressed optimism that Amusan and Brume, who are already qualified, will do Nigeria proud at the 2023 Budapest World Athletics Championship.
He reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to the development of the teeming youth through sports in order to provide them with the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the nation in line with the policy thrust of the present administration.
Tobi Amusan and Usheoritse Itshekiri have already claimed Nigeria’s 100m huddle ticket (women and men) at the event and will be representing Nigeria in Budapest.
Blessing Ogundiran of Edo State also won the 100m with a personal best of 11:50 secs.
The AFN trials holding in Benin is to select Nigeria’s flag bearers for the World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary.
