The race to represent Nigeria at forthcoming 2023 Africa Games will hit its crescendo when Nigeria’s best athletes storm Stephen Keshi stadium, Asaba, Delta State for the national trials.
The National Trials, being organised by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) in collaboration with Making of Champions (MoC), will hold from February 17-20 where the athletes will fight for tickets to enable them fly the nation’s flag at the forthcoming Africa Games scheduled for Accra, Ghana, next month.
The focus will be on the Women’s 100m event, were Tima Godbless, Favour Ofili and Rosemary Chukwuma are the overwhelming favorite for the 100m title.
The men’s 400m is another highly anticipated event, having the presence of NCAA standout athlete, Dubem Nwachukwu.
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Nwachukwu was exceptional in the NCAA, in 2023 and expected to make a mark this time around, being the second time the US-based lad would be representing Nigeria.
Also in the mix to win his senior title is new sensation, Samuel Ogazi, who is undefeated on home soil in 2023 season. Ifeanyi Ojeli who has recovered his form, just as Raphael Egbuchilem and Samson Nathaniel are also top podium contenders for Nigeria at the Africa Games.
In the field events, all eyes on Ese Brume and Ruth Usoro in Long Jump while in the women’s Discus throw, defending champion, Chioma Onyekwere, NCAA silver medallist, Ashley Anumba, and National Sports Festival champion, Obiageri Amaechi are capable of being crowned the winner in Asaba.
United States-based Chukwuebuka Enekwechi men’s shot putter, and Nnamdi Chinecherem in the men’s javelin throw (if present), will be unchallenged for the title in their events.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s U20 boys, known as Flying Eagles and the U20 girls, Falconets are both set to resume camping in Abuja today to commence preparations for the 13th African Games.
Head Coach Isah Ladan Bosso has invited a total of 30 players to the Flying Eagles’ camp, from which a final list will be drawn to fly Nigeria’s flag at the men’s football event, while Falconets’ Head Coach Chris Musa Danjuma, who has led his 2022 World Cup quarter-finalists to earn a ticket to this year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals in Colombia, has called up 23 players.
Preparations are in full swing as Ghana gears up to host the 13th African Games (formerly known as All Africa Games), scheduled in the capital city of Accra from 8th to 24th March 2024. The event will draw over 4000 athletes from about 50 countries.
