AFN/Solid Works Golden League : ...Abogunloko’s Absence Throws Sprint Title Open

The second leg of the 2013 AFN/Solid Works Golden League promises some exciting moments tomorrow when athletes file out for their events at the University of Benin Sports complex in Ugbowo, Benin City.

At the first leg in Sagamu a fortnight ago, most athletes who were starting their outdoor season were a little bit lethargic, resulting in poor results in most of the event. But that may not be the case on Saturday as  most of them have realized that high point scoring was important for them to win the prize money at stake.

“Most of the athletes were not too happy that they did not win the usual prizes at stake in the Golden League series. But now that they have been briefed on the need to improve their performances, we are bound to witness some really exciting moments at the Uniben Sports Complex on Saturday,” observed the Technical Director of the AFN, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama.

The women sprint promises to throw up a new winner in the absence of quarter miler, Bukola Abogunloko who stepped down to boost her speed in the longer sprint but is away in the United States of America to feature in the Penn Relays slated for this weekend. She won the 200m in Sagamu.

But in her absence, the duo of Patience Okon (NSCDC) and Cross River State sprinter, Peace Uko would have to battle for the top prize. Okon (23.45) picked the silver in Sagamu while Uko settled for the bronze in 23.94secs.

In the long distance races, Nigeria’s contingent to the maiden Okpekpe 10km International Road Race who have been in camp in Abuja in the last fortnight are bound to produce some improved results in the 5,000m and 10,000m events.

The duo of Deborah Pam and Janet Dung (NSCDC) will try to outrun National Sports Festival revelation, Aminat Olowora of Lagos State in the 5,000m, just the way they did in the first leg in Sagamu.

In the men’s 10,000m, Nigeria’s hopes of challenging the East Africans in the Okpekpe road race, Emmanuel Gyang and Kefas Williams need this event as dress rehearsal. A good outing here in Benin is what will gladden the heart of National Long Distance Coach, Nuhu Stephens that his effort in the last three weeks on the athletes was not a waste of time and resources.

Some of the events listed to hold in the Benin leg include; 100m/200m, 800m, 5000m, 100m Hurdles, triple Jump, Shot Put, Discus, 4x100m Relay, 4x400m Relay and 20km Race Walking.

There will be an All Comers category in the Women 400m, Long Jump and Javelin.

Golden League events for men include; 100m/200m, 800m, 10, 000M 400M Hurdles, Long Jump, Javelin, Hammer, 4x100m Relay and 4x400m Relay.