By Uzor Odigbo
All major motor- parks in Benin City are bursting with Athletes across 36 States of the Federation arriving for the AthIetics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Championship holding on Wednesday, July 5th 2023.
Every inch of the way, AthIetes are seen hugging bags and other Competition facilities to the Competition venue, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium to be booked into hotels.
Some Athletes majorly Home-based, informed that they have been training at the adjoining States preparatory for today’s official arrival, July 4th 2023.
Some Athletes from Lagos, Anambra, Ondo, Delta, Abia and Enugu States, etc, were sighted making their way to the stadium with the aim of settling down quickly for the Competitions which begin on Wednesday.
Without a doubt, they expressed hope of vying and picking up slots for the Budapest Worlds Championships in August.
On the influence of foreign-based AthIetes on the Competition, the home-based AthIetes said, “When it comes to National Trials, it is everyone to his lane. We have trained enough, now is the time for Competition”
A few foreign-based AthIetes were also sighted carrying out light training at the venue preparatory to track hostilities tomorrow.
Some of them interviewed explained the necessity of coming home to compete even when some of them have already earned a slot in the Budapest World Championship.
On challenges that might be posed by home-based AthIetes, US-based Udodi said with a smile, “There’s nothing wrong in having aspirations for something, I will indeed support any home-based Athlete that upsets any foreign-based Athlete to win a slot. After all, foreign-based AthIetes were once here as home-based.”
Favour Ashe last year’s 100m Champion could not agree less, insisting that some of them who migrated abroad as students were here as home-based, “In fact, I fear home-based AthIetes more than my colleagues from the same stock.”
On tomorrow’s National Trails, both US-based AthIetes said expectations are high as they are more interested in having a fair weather and injury-free Competition.
“I want to run well with a good time,” said Ashe.
“I’m excited to be home again, I want to thank my father for bringing me this far. The Competition is for us to be part of the Budapest team, for me, that’s where the competition is more important, I would try my best to compete well,” said Udodi.