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.