By Uzor Odigbo

In five solid days, starting from August 1st-5th the Africa and indeed the world’s attention would be focused on Asaba, the Delta State capital, as the 21st Senior Africa Athletics Championships take centre stage.
Be not in doubt that the best of Africa’s legs would be present and paraded on track for diadems aimed at bringing glory and honour to their respective countries.
Some of these athletes are Blessing Okagbare, Divine Oduduru,  Enekwechi, Tobi Amusan, Akani Sebina, Issac Mokwena, Amantel Monsho, Mouriel Ahoure, Ta Lou, etc…
From the internationally acclaimed home girl, Okagbare to the rookies coming for the first time, Asaba 2018 presents an opportunity for increased honour and breaking new grounds.
Asaba 2018 presents a huge opportunity for Government and People of Delta state and indeed Nigeria in general as good host to portray all manner of friendship and sportsmanship in which we are noted for.
It won’t be a case of who wins the championship at the end of the day. What matter is in ensuring that all athletes fairly competed without accrimony. The biggest winner would be the government and people of Delta State for the courage it exhibited in rehabilitatiing the Stephen Keshi Stadium to international standard  thereby leaving a credible benchmark for unborn generations of sportsmen and women.
How could these good souls be forgotten,  past and present generations who set the pace and elaveted the State and Nigeria to the path of glory. Well represented by Mrs. Violet Odogwu-Nwajei who won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Kinngston Jamaica in 1966 and Blessing Okagbare who also followed in her trail with Olympic silver and Commonwealth Gold in London 2014.
As over 47 countries in Africa converge with its finest athletes on Asaba, these conditions must be guarranteed, fair competition, fair judgment, friendship and goodwill for all.
Its suppose to be good party and an extension comradery  to the 47 countries and about 435 athletes attending the athletics mundial including all degnitries across the world.
However, let no one forget that Nigeria is one of Africa’s best in track&field and still holds the continent’s records in 100m men and 100mh women, and would do its best to maintain and surpass set roles and stardards.
We expect new stadium, state, national, Africa and world records during the competition, all things being equal. Let the competition begin