C’Wealth Trials: Dare, Yusuf Alli, Okowa, others hail brilliant performance of athletes

Yusuf Alli said: “These are new sets of Young athletes that would make Nigeria proud in future. I’m very positive that with the right preparation, these athletes have started well at this level, and will go places”

By Uzor Odigbo

Dignitaries present at the Commonwealth Games Trials in Benin at the weekend have Congratulated athletes on their brilliant performance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, in Edo State.

Among them are Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, Chairman Edo State Sports Commission Yussuf Alli and President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Tonobok Okowa.

Speaking after the event which ended on Sunday, Dare hailed the performance of athletes and their outstanding brilliance on track, adding that with these feats, the expected medals at the forthcoming World Athletics Championships in Oregon and Commonwealth Games in Birmingham UK, would be a reality.

“The Athletes have really performed well and this points to the fact that Nigeria’s hope of winning some medals at major competitions ahead would be a reality,” Dare said.

Also reacting on the pacesetting performance of Athletes, Chairman Edo State sports commission Yusuf Alli said:” these are new sets of Young athletes that would make Nigeria proud in future, I’m very positive that with the right preparation, these athletes having started well at this Trials, will go places”

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Yusuf Alli was also honoured as a legend whose national record in the long jump (8.27m) remains unbroken.

AFN President Okowa was thrilled that some athletes distinguished themselves by winning the season’s best and establishing Championship records in their events.

“It’s good news that Nigeria will feature informed athletes at World Athletics Championships in Oregon and Commonwealth Games this time around.”

He said the shot put, 100mh, sprint events are some areas Team Nigeria had performed and will do well in future Championships.

“They are young and determined to do well and that’s the most gladdening aspect.”

The 3-day Championships which ended yesterday in Benin is expected to produce athletes that would represent the country at Oregon, US World Athletics Championships and Commonwealth Games in Birmingham UK in July and August 2022.

Over 2000 athletes attended the Athletics Championships including foreign-based athletes.