AYAC Warri 2013 Results

Long Jump Boys
1 Joseph Edafiadhe Oreva-Oghene (Nigeria) 6.91 (-0.5); 2 Abebe Mesfin Mekonen (Ethiopia) 6.85 (-0.3); 3 David Oke Ejumeta (Nigeria) 6.85 (+0.4); 4 Marouane Aissaoui (Morocco) 6.74 (+0.1); 5 Abdelhassib Adu Ashraf Mohamed (Egypt) 6.68 (-0.2); 6 Pedro Carimina Moises (Angola) 5.71 (0.0); 7 Papa Latyr Gueye (Senegal) 5.49 (-0.3)
 
3000m Girls
1Mercy Chepwogen (Kenya) 9:17.52; 2 Daisy Jepkemei (Kenya) 9:17.69; 3 Adhena Tefera Mihret (Ethiopia) 9:19.41; 4 Adera Bezuager Minalle (Ethiopia) 9:26.73; 5 Gebrekrstos Weldeghabr Simretr (Eritrea) 9:59.33; 6 Nabtemicael Alay Elsa (Eritrea) 10:16.33; 7 Nwokeoji Chinonso (Nigeria) 10:43.76; 8 Ezekiel Monica Mandung (Nigeria) 10:51.28
Discus Girls
1 Amira Khaled Mahmoud (Egypt) 42.40; 2 Fatima Khaled Abdou (Egypt) 36.66; 3 Carine Koukou (Benin) 21.32; 4 Camaro Kadietou (Guinea) 15.74

AYAC Warri 2013 Results:

BOYS

100m (+0.7)
1 Divine Ejowvokoghene Oduduru (Nigeria) 10.62; 2 Abebe Amanuel Atsibeha (Ethiopia) 10.86; 3 Adedeji Ismaila Yusuf (Nigeria) 10.87; 4 Ebrima Camara (Gambia) 10.91; 5 Imad Dechraoui (Morocco) 11.16; 6 Emilien Aurel Tchan Bi Chan (Ivory Coast) 11.35; 7 Brian Kasinda (Zambia) 11.45

400m
1 Keita Tijani (Gambia) 47.39; 2 Galcha Gabra Gabiso (Ethiopia) 47.75; 3 Samson Oghenewegba Nathaniel (Nigeria) 47.89; 4 Sanneh Wandifa (Gambia) 48.58; 5 Alemu Gemechu Lema (Ethiopia) 48.83; 6 Sulema Hamid Ferej (Eritrea) 50.53; Oluwanusaye Oluwasakin Omotoye (Nigeria) 51.32

1500m
1 Robert Biwott (Kenya) 3:41.96; 2 Tebikew Yenew Akalat (Ethiopia) 3:43.84; 3 Tesfamariam Tsegay Abraham (Eritrea) 3:44.29; 4 Gidey Daneil Abrha (Ethiopia) 3:45.15; 5 Meshack Letim (Kenya) 3:46.76; 6 Weldegebreal Tewwelde Tesfu (Eritrea) 3:49.29; 7 Mohamed Asar Salam Sabry (Egypt) 3:53.99; 8 Adam Abdelwahab (Sudan) 3:55.33; 9 Ismael Mohamed Abdifatah (Djibouti) 3:56.86; 10 Atere Sanusi Saka (Nigeria) 4:08.09; 11 Afanomezantsoa Donne (Madagascar) 4:08.11; 12 Eric Turikunkiko (Rwanda) 4:16.94; 13 Livinus Chidi Okeke (Nigeria) 4:32.18

2000m Steeplechase
1 Edwin Meli Koskei (Kenya) 5:42.18; 2 Kahsay Meresa Hailu (Ethiopia) 5:42.20; 3 Kiros Halemariyam Kebede (Ethiopia) 5:45.50; 4 Hicham Chemlal (Morocco) 5:46.83; 5 Abraham Kibiwot (Kenya) 5:53.90; 6 Ismael Ibrahim Mohammed (Djibouti) 5:59.31; 7 Aimam Abib Kadar (Djibouti) 5:59.39; 8 Salem Salah Modihi Salama (Egypt) 6:05.18; 9 Sunday Olaoluwa Adeyemi (Nigeria) 6:50.82; 10 Edwin Unmike Akpo (Nigeria) 6:53.91

Long Jump
1 Joseph Edafiadhe Oreva-Oghene (Nigeria) 6.91 (-0.5); 2 Abebe Mesfin Mekonen (Ethiopia) 6.85 (-0.3); 3 David Oke Ejumeta (Nigeria) 6.85 (+0.4); 4 Marouane Aissaoui (Morocco) 6.74 (+0.1); 5 Abdelhassib Adu Ashraf Mohamed (Egypt) 6.68 (-0.2); 6 Pedro Carimina Moises (Angola) 5.71 (0.0); 7 Papa Latyr Gueye (Senegal) 5.49 (-0.3)

Shot Put
1 Hamza Mohamed Magdi Mohamed (Egypt) 2017; 2 Salem Elghoba Sherif Adel Ahmed (Egypt) 19.57; 3 Wilhelm Jacobus Radameyer (Namibia) 16.96 PB; 4 Valentine Udeh (Nigeria) 16.10; 5 Kevin Eric Mulega (Zimbabwe) 12.58; 6 Felix Watmon (Uganda) 12.25; 7 David Aniemena (Nigeria) 11.05; Tinashe Mucheena (Zimbabwe) 10.97

GIRLS

100m (-0.3)
1 Deborah Adewunmi Adewale (Nigeria) 11.87; 2 Francis Cecilia (Nigeria) 11.98; 3 Premon Pesse (Togo) 12.25; 4 Sefa Nemina Suraj (Ethiopia) 12.41; 5 Mzinde Ruva (Zimbabwe) 12.67; 6 Felie Mboyi (Democratic Republic of Congo) 12.68; 7 Joy Mphatho (Botswana) 12.68

400m
1 Ofonime Edidiongh Odiong (Nigeria) 54.46; 2 Abimbola Junaid (Nigeria) 54.81; 3 Moroko Galefele (Botswana) 55.52; 4 Shume Chaltu Regasa (Ethiopia) 5619; 5 Tola Kore Nagao (Ethiopai) 56.20; 6 Nafy Mane (Senegal) 56.40; 7 Yvonne vanhuvance (Zimbabwe) 59.08; 8 Mariette Agbety (Benin) 59.40

100m Hurdles (-0.2)
1 Gaber Omar Lina (Egypt) 14.04 PB; 2 Rebecca Temidayo Oshinbanjo (Nigeria) 14.73; 3 Adedolapo Aderonke Ademosu (Nigeria) 14.75; 4 Gebremedhin Teshome Konjit (Ethiopia) 14.98; 5 Nezha Elghali (Morocco) 15.69; 6 Yvonne Thomas (Zimbabwe) 17.89

800m
1 Zeyituna Mohammed Aliyi (Ethiopia) 2:05.05; 2 Edau Durets Olti (Ethiopia) 2:06.04; 3 Esther Oluwatobiloba Asamu (Nigeria) 2:06.59; 4 Jarinter Mawia (Kenya) 2:09.79; 5 Eva Cherono (Kenya) 2:13.47; 6 Soukaina Hajji (Morocco) 2:13.79; 7 Stella Sunday Benedict (Nigeria) 2:14.71; 8 Weldetson Asmelash Fiori (Eritrea) 2:17.56; 9 Zeratsion Segid Luchia (Eritrea) 2:18.39;10 Amelia Domingos (Mozambique) 2:19.95; 11 Fanjalina Mrs (Madagascar) 2:24.10; 12 Massanran Cisse (Ivort Coast) 2:26.29; Fatima Dhakirina (Comoro Islands) 2:27.88

3000m
1Mercy Chepwogen (Kenya) 9:17.52; 2 Daisy Jepkemei (Kenya) 9:17.69; 3 Adhena Tefera Mihret (Ethiopia) 9:19.41; 4 Adera Bezuager Minalle (Ethiopia) 9:26.73; 5 Gebrekrstos Weldeghabr Simretr (Eritrea) 9:59.33; 6 Nabtemicael Alay Elsa (Eritrea) 10:16.33; 7 Nwokeoji Chinonso (Nigeria) 10:43.76; 8 Ezekiel Monica Mandung (Nigeria) 10:51.28

Long Jump
1 Samir Owis Mohamed Esraa (Egypt) 5.63 (-0.2); 2 Mercy Abire (Nigeria) 5.63 (+0.4); 3 Ayomide Oluwatobiloba Amusan (Nigeria) 5.52 (-0.3); 4 Pascaline Boro (Burkina Faso) 5.20 (+0.4); 5 Uguda Nyebolo Aga (Ethiopia) 5.13 (-0.6)

Discus
1 Amira Khaled Mahmoud (Egypt) 42.40; 2 Fatima Khaled Abdou (Egypt) 36.66; 3 Carine Koukou (Benin) 21.32; 4 Camaro Kadietou (Guinea) 15.74

Hammer
1 Mostafa Mohamed Esraa Mohamed (Egypt) 61.52; 2 Sayed Hassan Tarek Aya (Egypt) 56.01; Melissa Esther Arlanda (Mauritius) 47.70; 4 Sophiat Tolani Omizi (Nigeria) 40.45; 5 Celia Ekpeyoung Inyang (Nigeria) 31.29

AYAC Warri 2013: CAA Cancels Pole Vault Event

Confederation of Africa Athletics (CAA) has cancelled the pole vault event at the maiden African Youth Athletics Championship (AYAC) in Warri, Delta State, owing to inadequate registration from participating countries.

According to the AFN technical director, Navy Commodore Omatseya Nesiama, the event was erased because only three countries registered athletes.

AYAC Warri 2013: Team Nigeria Harvest Medals ...As Oduduru, Odiong, Adewale Pick Gold

Day two of the 1st Africa Youth Athletics Championship going on in Warri, Delta State saw Nigeria adding more medals to its haul with a spectacular win in the 100 meter races for both boys and girls as the country swept the two gold medals at stake

In the male category, 17-year-old-SS2 student of West End Secondary School, Asaba, Divine Oduduru grabbed the gold with his time of 10.62secs ahead of Ethiopian’s Alsibeha Abebe who won the silver with 10.86sec. Adedeji Yusuf of Nigeria took the bronze with a time of 10.87sec.
Oduduru`s time of 10.62 sec in the boys 100m event was lower than the 10.51 seconds he ran last month at the Pastor D.K Olokoya U-18 competition in Lagos.

AYAC Opens With Fanfare

The opening ceremony of the 1st Africa Youth Athletics Championship (AYAC 2013) was officially declared open yesterday by the Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, amidst scenes that were described as simply electric.

The fulfilled opening ceremony was orchestrated by the packed stadium, which was intensified by the performance of rave of the moment Nigerian musician, Iyanyan, who dropped his best seller, Kurukere to the admiration of the sports minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, AAC representative, Delta State top government officials, school children, athletes and other spectators.
While declaring the championship open, Governor Uduaghan welcomed all participants and officials, then expressed hope that the championship will achieve its purpose, while also wishing all competitors a happy stay in the state.

Ebewele States Hope For Athletes -Predicts Bright Future For Nigerian Kids

Apart from competing in the AYAC 2013, Team Nigeria athletes have a bright future ahead of them and eventually make it big when they mature into other categories of world athletics.

This is the verdict of ex-athlete and former commissioner for sports in Edo State, Brown Ebewele, who told SportsDay that he sees the young athletes going places with their skills and bring glory to Nigeria in future. According to Ebewele, being the first edition of the championship will make it hard for him to predict what other countries would be able to do.

Guru Gives Hosts Top Spot -CAA Official Hails Nigeria’s Impact

Few hours to the commencement of hostilities in the first edition of Africa Youth Athletics Championship in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria has been tipped to claim top position at the five-day event.

This is the verdict of the marketing head of Confederation of African Athletics, Aminata Gueye, who said that she is impressed with the hype of the competition and commended the Local Organizing Committee for a job well done.

Team Nigeria Captains Promise Medals

Captains of team Nigeria have assured Nigerians to expect many medals when the competition starts on Wednesday. Atuma Ifeanyichukwu Andrew is the male captain of the Nigerian team and Chinyere Anwulika leads their girls’ counterpart.

The two athletes promised Nigeria shortly after they were received yesterday that they would win the maiden edition of the Africa Youth Athletics Championship.
''We will bring back gold silver and bronze. We have worked hard enough to win,'' Atuma said.
''The coaches did a lot of work on us. Training was intense and focused. Everything was done according to the schedule and we maintained that discipline till now. It means that we are ready for victory. From our selection trials till now we have been working with very serious coaches and we want to get to the tracks and field and take the medals because we have been motivated to do so,'' Chinyere said during the reception of the athletes as Excel Hotel.
The team arrived from the IAAF High Performance Training Centre in Port Harcourt where they have been camped for two weeks.

AYAC Warri 2013: Ogba Tasks Team Nigeria

Team Nigeria to the Africa Youth Athletics Championships in Warri has been challenged not only to win the first edition of the continental event but to also lead Nigeria out of the woods in athletics.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria President Solomon Ogba and AYAC 2013 LOC Chairman, Amaju Pinnick were at the Excel Hotel, Warri to receive Team Nigeria for the event billed for March 27 to 31. The team arrived from the IAAF High Performance Centre in Port Hacourt where they camped for three weeks.
“You are the stars of tomorrow and I want to assure you that if you win here most of you will be in the World Junior Championships. I know that you can make it,'' Ogba told the 59 athletes who were accompanied by their coaches.

Egwero, Salihu Make Waves -As Nigeria Relays Shake Warri

     

The second leg in the series of the All Nigeria Relays which was held at the Warri city stadium over the weekend lived to its billings as some of Nigeria's best athletes were on ground to burn the Warri stadium track and field.

Former 100m champion, Ogho Oghene Egwero returned to the local scene with a splendid performance that brought spectators at the stadium to a standstill.
Egwero won his heat of the 150m race with a time of 15.90sces.
Nigeria Customs and national athlete, Issa Salihu brought life to the stadium when he ran in the 400m, 800m, 4x400 relays, making his presence felt in all, as he also brought spark to the stadium with his performances.
Other results of the Warri leg of the all Nigeria relays includes: men 4x400m: ICDO 1.24.63 secs, Custom, 1.24.64 and Delta took the third position with 1.24.96. In the 4x200m women, Civle Defence won the race with 1.37.70, CDA 1.39.77 and Nigeria Police team was third with its time of 1.40.45.
Others are; long jump men, Ivory Onakpoberuo 7.27m, Ojewola Olusegun 6.72 and Charles Itimati 6.44m. The 150 m men was won by Ogho Oghene Egwero with his 15. 90m, the second and third position was won by Onyeaku Chukwuma 16.34secs and Obo Isac Chibueze 16.40 secs.
The podium for the 600m women went to Abike Egbeniyi, 1.28. 16secs, followed by Benjamin Adee Favour 1.32.81secs and Yetunde Abolowade 1.42.51secs, while 600m men had Anayo Ezekiel 1.19.39secs, Akindujoye Johnson 1.21.60 and Saheed Olayemi 1.22.97.

Over 500 Athletes Arrives Warri -As AFN Test Run EDM Machine

 The second leg in the series of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) All Nigeria Relays Competition will Saturday, March 23, see over 500 athletes taking part at Warri City Stadium.
Coordinator of the All Nigeria Relays, national long jump record holder, Yusuf Ali said the Warri edition will be all field events.
He said this is so, because the federation will be using the events to test run its latest acquired equipment, the Estimated Distance Measurement (EDM) which will also be used during the Africa Youth Athletics Championship in same venue in Warri next week.

“I can confirm that over 500 athletes will be taking part in the Warri leg of the All Nigeria Relays but we will be concentrating on the field events this weekend.

“The relays will return in our next meeting.

Elaborating on the EDM, Ali said, “We just bought a Timetronics device for the Warri event. It is the first time that we will be using EDM (Estimated Distance Measurement) device in Nigeria and this means that officiating officials will no longer use tapes to measure distances in events like Long Jump, Javelin etc.

The Warri event is the second leg in the series of the All Nigeria Relays, an initiative of the president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria in other to see Nigeria relay teams shaping up for challenges ahead.

The Warri leg will see athletes taking part in the long, high and triple jumps, shot put, discuss throw, pole vault and other field events and it is going to be a morning and afternoon session with a three hour break from 12pm to 3pm.

Over 500 Athletes Arrives Warri -As AFN Test Run EDM Machine

 The second leg in the series of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) All Nigeria Relays Competition will Saturday, March 23, see over 500 athletes taking part at Warri City Stadium.
Coordinator of the All Nigeria Relays, national long jump record holder, Yusuf Ali said the Warri edition will be all field events.
He said this is so, because the federation will be using the events to test run its latest acquired equipment, the Estimated Distance Measurement (EDM) which will also be used during the Africa Youth Athletics Championship in same venue in Warri next week.

“I can confirm that over 500 athletes will be taking part in the Warri leg of the All Nigeria Relays but we will be concentrating on the field events this weekend.

“The relays will return in our next meeting.

Elaborating on the EDM, Ali said, “We just bought a Timetronics device for the Warri event. It is the first time that we will be using EDM (Estimated Distance Measurement) device in Nigeria and this means that officiating officials will no longer use tapes to measure distances in events like Long Jump, Javelin etc.

The Warri event is the second leg in the series of the All Nigeria Relays, an initiative of the president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria in other to see Nigeria relay teams shaping up for challenges ahead.

The Warri leg will see athletes taking part in the long, high and triple jumps, shot put, discuss throw, pole vault and other field events and it is going to be a morning and afternoon session with a three hour break from 12pm to 3pm.

Over 500 Athletes Arrives Warri -As AFN Test Run EDM Machine

 The second leg in the series of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) All Nigeria Relays Competition will Saturday, March 23, see over 500 athletes taking part at Warri City Stadium.
Coordinator of the All Nigeria Relays, national long jump record holder, Yusuf Ali said the Warri edition will be all field events.
He said this is so, because the federation will be using the events to test run its latest acquired equipment, the Estimated Distance Measurement (EDM) which will also be used during the Africa Youth Athletics Championship in same venue in Warri next week.

“I can confirm that over 500 athletes will be taking part in the Warri leg of the All Nigeria Relays but we will be concentrating on the field events this weekend.

“The relays will return in our next meeting.

Elaborating on the EDM, Ali said, “We just bought a Timetronics device for the Warri event. It is the first time that we will be using EDM (Estimated Distance Measurement) device in Nigeria and this means that officiating officials will no longer use tapes to measure distances in events like Long Jump, Javelin etc.

The Warri event is the second leg in the series of the All Nigeria Relays, an initiative of the president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria in other to see Nigeria relay teams shaping up for challenges ahead.

The Warri leg will see athletes taking part in the long, high and triple jumps, shot put, discuss throw, pole vault and other field events and it is going to be a morning and afternoon session with a three hour break from 12pm to 3pm.

Over 500 Athletes Arrives Warri -As AFN Test Run EDM Machine

 The second leg in the series of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) All Nigeria Relays Competition will Saturday, March 23, see over 500 athletes taking part at Warri City Stadium.
Coordinator of the All Nigeria Relays, national long jump record holder, Yusuf Ali said the Warri edition will be all field events.
He said this is so, because the federation will be using the events to test run its latest acquired equipment, the Estimated Distance Measurement (EDM) which will also be used during the Africa Youth Athletics Championship in same venue in Warri next week.

“I can confirm that over 500 athletes will be taking part in the Warri leg of the All Nigeria Relays but we will be concentrating on the field events this weekend.

“The relays will return in our next meeting.

Elaborating on the EDM, Ali said, “We just bought a Timetronics device for the Warri event. It is the first time that we will be using EDM (Estimated Distance Measurement) device in Nigeria and this means that officiating officials will no longer use tapes to measure distances in events like Long Jump, Javelin etc.

The Warri event is the second leg in the series of the All Nigeria Relays, an initiative of the president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria in other to see Nigeria relay teams shaping up for challenges ahead.

The Warri leg will see athletes taking part in the long, high and triple jumps, shot put, discuss throw, pole vault and other field events and it is going to be a morning and afternoon session with a three hour break from 12pm to 3pm.

Over 500 Athletes Arrives Warri -As AFN Test Run EDM Machine

 The second leg in the series of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) All Nigeria Relays Competition will Saturday, March 23, see over 500 athletes taking part at Warri City Stadium.
Coordinator of the All Nigeria Relays, national long jump record holder, Yusuf Ali said the Warri edition will be all field events.
He said this is so, because the federation will be using the events to test run its latest acquired equipment, the Estimated Distance Measurement (EDM) which will also be used during the Africa Youth Athletics Championship in same venue in Warri next week.

“I can confirm that over 500 athletes will be taking part in the Warri leg of the All Nigeria Relays but we will be concentrating on the field events this weekend.

“The relays will return in our next meeting.

Elaborating on the EDM, Ali said, “We just bought a Timetronics device for the Warri event. It is the first time that we will be using EDM (Estimated Distance Measurement) device in Nigeria and this means that officiating officials will no longer use tapes to measure distances in events like Long Jump, Javelin etc.

The Warri event is the second leg in the series of the All Nigeria Relays, an initiative of the president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria in other to see Nigeria relay teams shaping up for challenges ahead.

The Warri leg will see athletes taking part in the long, high and triple jumps, shot put, discuss throw, pole vault and other field events and it is going to be a morning and afternoon session with a three hour break from 12pm to 3pm.

Over 500 Athletes Arrives Warri -As AFN Test Run EDM Machine

 The second leg in the series of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) All Nigeria Relays Competition will Saturday, March 23, see over 500 athletes taking part at Warri City Stadium.
Coordinator of the All Nigeria Relays, national long jump record holder, Yusuf Ali said the Warri edition will be all field events.
He said this is so, because the federation will be using the events to test run its latest acquired equipment, the Estimated Distance Measurement (EDM) which will also be used during the Africa Youth Athletics Championship in same venue in Warri next week.

“I can confirm that over 500 athletes will be taking part in the Warri leg of the All Nigeria Relays but we will be concentrating on the field events this weekend.

“The relays will return in our next meeting.

Elaborating on the EDM, Ali said, “We just bought a Timetronics device for the Warri event. It is the first time that we will be using EDM (Estimated Distance Measurement) device in Nigeria and this means that officiating officials will no longer use tapes to measure distances in events like Long Jump, Javelin etc.

The Warri event is the second leg in the series of the All Nigeria Relays, an initiative of the president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria in other to see Nigeria relay teams shaping up for challenges ahead.

The Warri leg will see athletes taking part in the long, high and triple jumps, shot put, discuss throw, pole vault and other field events and it is going to be a morning and afternoon session with a three hour break from 12pm to 3pm.

AYAC Warri 2013: Team Nigeria Storms Warri Monday

Team Nigeria contingent to the First African Youth Championships in Athletics in Warri, Delta state is confident of emerging winners of the inaugural edition of the championships.

The team, comprising of 59 athletes and 15 officials will arrive Warri Monday morning from their training camp in Port Harcourt and President of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria, Evangelist Solomon Ogba says Nigeria is hosting to win.

The AFN President says his federation has done everything possible in terms of preparing the team for the competition and is confident the 59 boys and girls selected will not disappoint Nigerians.

According to Ogba, We have selected a very strong squad for this championships and I believe the bright future that awaits track and field in Nigeria starts with this event in Warri.

Meanwhile chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the championships, Amaju Pinnick has assured of a hitch-free championships.

Zenith Bank Joins AYAC 2013

Zenith Bank has joined the collection of corporate sponsors for the hosting of the Africa Youth Athletics Championships otherwise known as AYAC Warri 2013 with N20m.

 ''It is part of our contribution to sports development in Nigeria,'' Managing Director of the Bank, Godwin Emiefilie, told Amaju Pinnick, the chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for AYAC.

 ''Zenith Bank has been tremendous in trying to develop the Nigerian youth through sports and share the vision of Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan in the area of sports,'' Amaju said while thanking Emiefilie for his contribution.

 Joe Penawou of First Marine Engineering Services Limited also parted with N10m as part of his company's sponsorship of the African championship. His company will also supply juice drinks to the over 450 athletes and 200 officials who will gather at the Warri Township Stadium from March 27 to 31.

Why I Dumped Saudi Arabia For Nigeria-Osheku

Former Libya athletics Coach, Tony Osheku in this interview with okenaijaathletics, gave reasons why he shunned a mouth watering Saudi Arabia coaching job and return to Nigeria. He also spoke on his disappointment on Nigeria top athletes for shunning the first leg of the All Nigeria Relays in Ijebu Ode… 

What was the experience like coaching Libya?
It was fascinating being the Libyan Coach, the beginning was okay, I had a guy that did 44.9secs in Africa championships, he was among top 20 in the whole world and I will say the end was not rosy because of what happened to Gadaffi. Since then I have not gone back to Libya. All my stuffs are still in Libya. What I have been doing in the past was to meet them in neighboring countries like Morocco or Tunisia; I just decided not to go back there because you never can tell with those people.

Any job opportunity since you left Libya unceremoniously?

Yes, if you are not aware, I had a job opportunity from Saudi Arabia with all incentives and other things attached, but I said what is my gain after improving athletics in other lands and my country lags behind, I had to turn down the job. They asked me to meet one Prince Nawaf, but I’m kind of tired, I want to stay in my country , we have talents here, but if I’m in power I can show my stuff.

Why did you turn down the Saudi job and are you available if called by Nigeria?
For me, Nigeria comes first, I was well treated in Libya, they gave me a car, three bed-rooms flat and other incentives and Saudi Arabia want to do the same thing. I love this country, home is home and to answer your question on coaching Nigeria if called upon, the answer is yes I’m available.

What would be athletes’ expectations in competitions like the All Nigeria Relays?
For quarter-milers who are running the 600m, it’s like a build up to determine their strength. After this, the second leg will be in Warri where there will be field events. With what I saw in the AFN 2013 program, after Warri leg, the relays event will return but let me say it doesn’t make sense for athletes to stay idle without any meet. I’m happy the AFN organized a competition like the 4x100, 4x200m, 4x400m, 4x800m 300m, 600m. It is a good development for the athletes. So far I will say I’m impressed with the way the athletes have competed.

Do you think the month of March is the best time for athletes to start running for the season?
What can we say; the youths just ended their first race in Lagos during the Dr. Olukoya U-18 Athletics Championship. For the seniors, they are just running the first race, I know Jamaicans and other countries have done three to four races, but the important thing is we have started. This part of the world is very warm, this is March and it is a good time to start and that is why they decided to run over-distance.

Why do you think Nigeria top athletes are refusing to do long distance races?
I’m kind of disappointed that most of our top athletes did not show up for the All Nigeria Relays, quarter-miler which is my specialty. The athlete from Dominican republic that won the silver medal in 400m at the last Olympics, Kirian James has already ran 400m in the indoors, also Warina who won Olympic gold has already ran three meets in the indoor. I see no reason why our top athletes should not be in Ijebu-Ode for the first relay race of the season.

This is March; we cannot wait because the World Championship is in August. If an athlete is not making it in March and it’s going to be difficult doing anything fantastic in August. I’m highly disappointed that they did not come here to race.

Why AFN Is Organizing All Nigeria Relays-Yusuf Ali

Nigeria long jump record holder and Co-ordinator of the All Nigeria Relays, Yusuf Ali in this interview with  okenaijaathletics says the era of late preparation for Nigeria relay team is over as the Athletics Federation of Nigeria wants to see the relay teams running in competitions to put them in right shape before the World Championship in Russia in August.

What prompted the All Nigeria Relays?
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria decided to organize the All Nigeria Relays because we dont want what happened last season to repeat itself.

Last year, being an Olympic year, the men’s 4x100m team did not qualify for the Olympics and the 4x400m team qualified on the last day of the Africa Athletics Championships that was held in Benin Republic, but based on the fact that it’s only the best 16 teams that will make it, Nigeria lost out to Portugal. Portugal took the last slot because they qualified same day with us with a better time.

So the All Nigeria Relays became necessarily as we want to start running on time. This is March; I think we shall be running in many competitions, athletes like Usain Bolt has ran two meets in 400m. I think we should borrow a leaf from that. This over distance is what we need to put our athletes in the right shape for August when the World Championship starts in Moscow, Russia in August.

During the races in Ijebu Ode, the women 4x400m did not run, what happened?
The women 4x400m were skipped because we only had three teams available and in athletics competitions it is not done. They can’t compete that way; there must be four teams for the relay to be complete. Again, because we were running the same athletes in the 800m and 600m they need time to recover, it was a one day event, and we also felt for them. Casualties are what we don’t want in all the events

The next stop of the All Nigeria Relays is Warri, what should we expect?

Yes the next stop is Warri this weekend but it will be field events but we will be returning to the track after Warri for the relays again. In Warri, we are expecting over 500 athletes and I believe it will be as good and great as the Ijebu Ode’
If you look at the American system, they run every week and competition gets you better. But one must train for it, but the thing is, are our athletes training for it? We want to make them train for it and get used to it, once they get used to it, it becomes part of them. It was because of the top quarter milers that the AFN President, Solomon Ogba put up the relay competitions so that they will have lots of competitions and build themselves for the season.

It was noted that some of Nigeria’s top athletes did not turn up for the Ojebu Ode edition of the All Nigeria Relays. What happened?
That’s one of the reasons why we don’t get better in this country; some of these athletes will run one meet think that he is a super star. If you look at the world nowadays 46seconds is nothing in 400m.
We want to tell them that winning one competition does not make you a super star. We have qualified for the world championship with the 302 achieve last year. But the 4x100m must qualify they must run 39.20 and we don’t have that.
In those days in Nigeria, if you run 38secs, we are upset, but today we are even begging people to run 39 seconds, that means our sports is really going down and you can see the slide. We must help this sport by running competitions regularly.

Prize money in the name of transport was given to the athletes, what prompted this?
It was used to motivate the athletes to attend competitions, this is the first time in the relays we are having prize money. The prize money should help the athletes to attend competitions. I don’t want us to go back to our days where there’s no money but today, there is money in athletics.
The AFN has put down money for the relays so that athletes can come. They should take advantage of that to sharpen their skills and also get the prize money.

Why All Nigeria Relays Is Important- Nesiama

The All Nigeria Relays which started at the Dino Dipo stadium in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State last weekend has been given a thumbs up by the Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Navy Commodore Nesiama Omatseye.

According to Nesiama, the country’s men relay teams have been struggling and starting early would strengthen the athletes to prepare them for an early qualification to the World Championships in Moscow, Russia later in August.

“The All Nigeria Relays came up at the right time and this is good for us. If you noticed, we did not do well last season and our men team did not qualify for the Olympics and starting early this year will give them the opportunity to run many relays and qualify them for the World Championship in August,” he said.

Speaking on coordination, Nesiama said, “Our relay teams have been lacking coordination in recent times; we believe it was as a result of lack of practice, the relay event becomes necessary to get athletes off the ground early and it will help conclude the athletes for the season.”

Meanwhile, the next edition of the All Nigeria Relays comes up this weekend in Warri and it will be an all field events to test run the Estimated Distance Measurement (EDM) machine that will be use for the Africa Youth Athletics Championship next week in same venue. Commodore Nesiama stated that expect from France will arrive Nigeria Thursday for the EDM.

AFN Acquires Latest Device For Warri Show

Athletics Federation of Nigeria President, Solomon Ogba has said that the latest timing device has been acquired for the Africa Youth Athletics Championships, AYAC 2013, holding in Warri from March 27 to March 31.

He was delighted about the high standards expected in the organization of the maiden event of the youths competition in Africa.

’’We just bought a Timetronics device for the Warri event. It is the first time that we will be using EDM (Estimated Distance Measurement) device in Nigeria. I am happy that we are moving forward and AYAC 2013 will be of high standards,’’ Ogba said.

 It means that officiating officials will no longer use tapes to measure distances in events like Long Jump, Javelin etc.

’’Timetronics is the latest of them all. It is good that we have it now in Nigeria,’’ Yusuf Ali, holder of Nigeria’s Long Jump record said yesterday.

Osheku Shuns Saudi Arabia Athletics Job

Former Nigeria and Libya athletics coach, Tony Osheku has shunned a mouth watering athletics coaching job opportunity in Saudi Arabia, this SportsDay can report.
Osheku in an exclusive chat revealed that the Saudi job, though with good incentives was not good enough for him as he has put his love for the growth of Nigeria athletics to working in other countries.
“I had a job opportunity from Saudi Arabia with all incentives and other things attached, but I said what is my gain after improving athletics in other lands and my country lags behind, I had to turn down the job. I also had a stint in Libya where I turned a 47secs runner to 44.8secs in 400m.
 “My stay in Libya was fun and career fulfilling until the war broke out. After the insurgence, they wanted me back but I said no, my country must be my next destination.”
Osheku, who coached Olympic bronze medalist Falilat Ogunkoya said 400m runners in the country need special attention to excel adding, “If given the opportunity I would reverse the slide.”
The former US-based coach frowned at the absence of top athletes; especially the quarter-milers at the first national relay competition. He said the development was not right as the World Championships in Athletics is just four months away while adding that if in March Nigeria top athletes are not running then it will be difficult for the country in the World Championships in Russia.
“This development of our top athletes not running the distance now is not right at all, the World Championships in Athletics is just four months away and this is March.
“I just hope when they start running the distance, it will not be too late to catch up with the world,” he said.

AYAC 2013: AFN relocates to Warri

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has moved their office to the city of Warri for the last laps of organization for the maiden edition of Africa Youth Athletics Championships scheduled for March 27 to
“We are ready for the event. We have already moved office to Warri,” Maria Worphil, secretary of the AFN said at the weekend. She also doubles as scribe of the Local Organizing Committee for the Championships.
Warri Township Stadium, hitherto a largely soccer stadium, has been reconfigured to host athletics events. And to assess the reconfiguration the federation has moved the second leg of the 2013 AFN Relays, holding on March 23 at the refurbished Warri City Stadium.
The relays will serve as a preparatory exercise for the African Youth Athletics Championship starting March 27.
“It is part of the dress rehearsal for the African Youth Athletics Championships billed to kick off on March 27 at the same venue”, said the Coordinator of the All Nigeria Relays, AFN’s Yusuf Ali.
The relay events include; 4x100m, 4x200m, 4x400m and the 4x800m relays.
”As part of our build up for the World Championships in Russia, our relay teams are going to compete in all the legs of the All Nigeria Relays. “ stressed Ali.
Ogho-Oghene Egwero, Obinna Metu, Peter Emelieze and Benjamin Adukwu are all expected to enliven the Ijebu Ode race.

1ST ALL NIGERIA RELAYS:

Over 500 Athletes Burn Track

Nigeria’s journey to achieving athletics greatness this year and beyond began over the past weekend, as the first leg of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) All Nigeria Relays was held at Dipo Diya Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

The event, which was earlier scheduled for Gateway Stadium, Sagamu, but had to be shifted because the arena is being used for other purposes by Ogun State government, saw over 500 athletes burning the Ijebu-Ode stadium’s track.

Speaking on his impression of the competition, the coordinator of All Nigeria Relays, Yusuf Ali said the AFN is encourage with the turnout of athletes and advised others to use the federation’s prize money initiative to turn up for subsequent editions, which he say7s will help them better their skills for this year’s season.

“For the first time in the relays, we have prize money and this will motivate the athletes coming and better their time.  They should take advantage of this and better themselves and skills for this year’s IAAF World Athletics Championship coming up in Moscow, Russia in August,” Ali said.

Although most national athletes were missing at the first edition of the relays, some promising results and timing were achieved at the Ijebu Ode venue at the weekend.

These include the 4x200m men, which was won by the Nigeria Civil Defence with a finish time of (1. 26.18 secs), second place was taken by the Nigeria Customs (1.27.05secs) while Civil Defense also took the third position (1.28.53secs).

In the 4x200m women, Margaret Etim and others from Civil Defense won the first poison (1.41.71secs) with Edun Feyisara and others of Splendor (1.51.25sec) and Afusat and others of Falilat athletics club (2.07.92secs) won the second and third place respectively.

In the 4x100m men, Agbowa Emobasa and others from ICDO (41.02secs) take the first position with Nicholas Itoa and others of the Civil Defense (41.25secs) and Ekundayo Sehuboa of the Nigeria Police (42. 62secs) were second and third respectively.

In the women’s 4x100m, International (46. 71secs), Civil Defense (47.47secs) and Kwara (49.47secs) took the first, second and third position respectively.

The second leg of the event is expected to hold at the refurbished Warri City Stadium, Delta State, on March 23, as a dress rehearsal for the fast approaching African Youth Athletics Championships billed to flag off on March 27 at the same venue.

AFN Moves 1st All Nigeria Relays To Ijebu Ode

The first leg of the 2013 Athletics Federation of Nigeria Relays earlier scheduled to hold in Sagamu has been moved to the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode. 

The Coordinator of the All Nigeria Relays, Yusuf Ali, confirmed Wednesday that the date of the meet remains Saturday, March 16 with the same events earlier listed.

"The first leg of the All Nigeria Relays will hold in Ijebu Ode instead of Sagamu. We had to make the switch for logistic reasons," observed the former Team Nigeria captain whose national long jump record of 8.27m remains unbeaten for over two decades.

Some of the events listed for the Ijebu Ode meet include over-distance races  like 150m, 300m, 600m and 3000m in both men and women categories.

The relay events include; 4x100m, 4x200m, 4x400m and the 4x800m relays.

Ali hinted that the national relay team will also compete at the Ijebu Ode event as part of the nation's build up to qualify for the World Championships later in the year.

"As part of our build up for the World Championships in Russia, our relay teams are going to compete in all the legs of the All Nigeria Relays. It will begin with the first leg in  Ijebu Ode this weekend 16^th March," stressed Ali.

Ogho-Oghene Egwero, Obinna Metu, Peter Emelieze and Benjamin Adukwu are all expected to enliven the Ijebu Ode race.

Meanwhile, the second leg of the event is expected to hold in Warri, Delta State on March 23 at the refurbished Warri City Stadium.

It is part of the dress rehearsal for the African Youth Athletics Championships billed to kick off on March 27 at the same venue.

Okpekpe Road Race Hold April 13

All arrangements have been concluded for the maiden edition of Okpekpe Road Race, scheduled to hold in the sleepy town of Okpekpe in Edo State on April 13, 2013. First of its kind in Nigeria, Okpekpe Road Race is a long distance race of 10 kilometers over hills and sandy path, which is will be flagged off by an official of the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) and which will attract over 3,000 local and international road runners.
According to Mike Itemuagbor, CEO of Pamodzi Nigeria Limited, promoters of the race, Okpekpe Road Race is of highest international standard with route measured and certified by the IAAF measurer. He maintained that the race is sanctioned by the IAAF, the African Athletics Confederations (AAC) and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), who is the organizer and also has the backing of the Edo State Government as a major partner.
Itemuagbor said the race, which would become an annual event, is aimed at creating a platform for youth engagement where hidden talents could be discovered and also unlocking the tourism potentials of the community. He explained that “prize money of over N2.5m, the highest prize money for 10 kilometers race in Nigeria, will be awarded to winners in the different categories. The categories include Male and Female categories, as well as Indigenes of Edo Male and Female categories.”
Itemuagbor assured that everything needed to make the first edition of the race successful is in place as the Main Organizing Committee had been working round the clock for months to ensure a hitch free event.
“We are looking forward to hosting an interesting race, with a good turn-out of participants for this first edition,” he said.
The race route, according to the organizers, will wind around the hills of Okpekpe, a 25km town from Auchi, famous for its mountainous landscape.

Ojokolo, Usifo Lead AFN Coaches -As Camp Opens For Youth Championship

The Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has set plans in motion towards the country’s participation in this month’s 1st African Youth Athletics Championship in Warri, Delta State, with athletes and coaches named for the national camp in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The array of coaches, each for a specialized event, is led by well-exposed female former athletes, Endurance Ojokolo and Maria Usifo, who will join 15 other experts in grooming a list of 62 athletes at the IAAF High Level Performance Centre, at University of Port Harcourt.
This development is coming hot on the heels of the 3rd Dr. Olukoya U-18 Athletics Championship last weekend in Lagos, as the AFN has invited 62 athletes and 17 officials to camp in The Garden City.
A release from the federation notified the invited athletes to report to camp Tuesday with their international passports, as they will quickly start preparation for the Africa Youth Athletics Championship holding from the 27th of March to 1st of April at Warri City Stadium.
The listed officials include Odia Leonard (hurdles), Steve Nuhu (long distance), Lati Obisesan (throws/race walk/multi-event), Maria Usifo (hurdles), Isaac Ikhabome (short sprints), Saheed Akinpelu (long sprints) and Emilia Oyase (jumps).
Others are Tom Nnakwe (hurdles), Saheed Alabi (distance running), Owiviri Edirin (high jump), Endurance Ojokolo (short sprints), George Ezenwa Obiano (triple jump), Tunde Sulaiman (long Jump/triple jump), Seigha Porbeni (jumps monitor), Brown Ebewele (sprints/multi -event monitor).
The AFN statement disclosed further that the best two of athletes of every event during the Olukoya under-18 championship in Lagos got invitations to the camp, where Jide Joshia will serve as commandant and AFN technical director, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama will also be present.
The athletes will remain at the high performance center in Port Harcourt in preparation for the continental championship that will see about 33 African countries participate in different events.

Ojokolo, Usifo Lead AFN Coaches -As Camp Opens For Youth Championship

The Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has set plans in motion towards the country’s participation in this month’s 1st African Youth Athletics Championship in Warri, Delta State, with athletes and coaches named for the national camp in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The array of coaches, each for a specialized event, is led by well-exposed female former athletes, Endurance Ojokolo and Maria Usifo, who will join 15 other experts in grooming a list of 62 athletes at the IAAF High Level Performance Centre, at University of Port Harcourt.
This development is coming hot on the heels of the 3rd Dr. Olukoya U-18 Athletics Championship last weekend in Lagos, as the AFN has invited 62 athletes and 17 officials to camp in The Garden City.
A release from the federation notified the invited athletes to report to camp Tuesday with their international passports, as they will quickly start preparation for the Africa Youth Athletics Championship holding from the 27th of March to 1st of April at Warri City Stadium.
The listed officials include Odia Leonard (hurdles), Steve Nuhu (long distance), Lati Obisesan (throws/race walk/multi-event), Maria Usifo (hurdles), Isaac Ikhabome (short sprints), Saheed Akinpelu (long sprints) and Emilia Oyase (jumps).
Others are Tom Nnakwe (hurdles), Saheed Alabi (distance running), Owiviri Edirin (high jump), Endurance Ojokolo (short sprints), George Ezenwa Obiano (triple jump), Tunde Sulaiman (long Jump/triple jump), Seigha Porbeni (jumps monitor), Brown Ebewele (sprints/multi -event monitor).
The AFN statement disclosed further that the best two of athletes of every event during the Olukoya under-18 championship in Lagos got invitations to the camp, where Jide Joshia will serve as commandant and AFN technical director, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama will also be present.
The athletes will remain at the high performance center in Port Harcourt in preparation for the continental championship that will see about 33 African countries participate in different events.

Ojokolo, Usifo Lead AFN Coaches -As Camp Opens For Youth Championship

The Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has set plans in motion towards the country’s participation in this month’s 1st African Youth Athletics Championship in Warri, Delta State, with athletes and coaches named for the national camp in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The array of coaches, each for a specialized event, is led by well-exposed female former athletes, Endurance Ojokolo and Maria Usifo, who will join 15 other experts in grooming a list of 62 athletes at the IAAF High Level Performance Centre, at University of Port Harcourt.
This development is coming hot on the heels of the 3rd Dr. Olukoya U-18 Athletics Championship last weekend in Lagos, as the AFN has invited 62 athletes and 17 officials to camp in The Garden City.
A release from the federation notified the invited athletes to report to camp Tuesday with their international passports, as they will quickly start preparation for the Africa Youth Athletics Championship holding from the 27th of March to 1st of April at Warri City Stadium.
The listed officials include Odia Leonard (hurdles), Steve Nuhu (long distance), Lati Obisesan (throws/race walk/multi-event), Maria Usifo (hurdles), Isaac Ikhabome (short sprints), Saheed Akinpelu (long sprints) and Emilia Oyase (jumps).
Others are Tom Nnakwe (hurdles), Saheed Alabi (distance running), Owiviri Edirin (high jump), Endurance Ojokolo (short sprints), George Ezenwa Obiano (triple jump), Tunde Sulaiman (long Jump/triple jump), Seigha Porbeni (jumps monitor), Brown Ebewele (sprints/multi -event monitor).
The AFN statement disclosed further that the best two of athletes of every event during the Olukoya under-18 championship in Lagos got invitations to the camp, where Jide Joshia will serve as commandant and AFN technical director, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama will also be present.
The athletes will remain at the high performance center in Port Harcourt in preparation for the continental championship that will see about 33 African countries participate in different events.

AYC Warri: AFN Invites 62 Athletes, 17 Officials To Camp

Team List AYAC
Warri 2013
For Camping
3,000m Girls
Name                                               

Chinonso Nwokeji                                 
Monica Ezekiel Mandung            

5,000m Boys
Stephen Joshus Dalyop                 
Adeyemi Olaoluwa                           

800m Girls
 Asamu Oluwatobiloba                  

800m Boys
 Obinna Ukaegbu                            
Akpom Emmanuel                      

100m Girls
Cecilia Francis                            
Ese Brume                                    

100m Boys
Divine Oduduru                            
Ismaila Yusuf                                
Charles Okezie                            

1,500m Girls
 Serah Ogunola
Chinonso Nwokeji

1,500m Boys
Saka Sanusi
Okeke Chidi

Long Jump Boys
Joseph Edafiedhe
Ejumeta david
Oluwayemi Blessing

2000m Steeple Chase Girls
Olamide Oluwaseun
Ratkan James

3000m Steeple Chase Boys
Adeyemi Olaoluwa

400m Hurdles Girls
Nathaniel Glory
Kadiri Serah

400m Hurdles Boys
Bakre Gbenga

Hammer Girls
Celia Ekpeyoungn Inyang
Omizi Sophiat Tolani

Hammer Boys
Ossai Domnic
David Aniemene

High Jump Boys
Theophilus Ejovi
Awoke Chizoba
Edoki Fabian

400m Girls
Junaid Abimbola
Edidiong Ofonime
Chukwu Sandra

400m Boys
Nathaniel Samson
Oluwasakin Omotoye
Oyebanji Abdulahi

200m Girls
Adewale Deborah
Amusan Oluwatobi

200m Boys
Ismaila Yusuf
Adeyombo Adeniyi

110m Hurdles Boys
Abdulaih Bashiru
Atuma Ifeanyi

Triple jump Boys
Theophilus Ejovi
Edoki Fabian

Javelin Boys
Udeh Valentine
Ernest Agwaza

Shot Put Girls
Aniefuna Anwulika

100m Hurdles Girls
Aderonke Ademosu

Long Jump Girls
Ese Brume
Kasie Ugeh

Race Walk
Malagu Sarah Loveth
Kehinde Aniyi

Shot Put Boys
David Aniemene

Heptathlon
Dayo Oshinbajo

Octathlon
Aladesuyi Adetola
Ade Shadrach

Race Walikng Boys
Wasiu Olowa
Lasisi Emmanuel

Pole Vault Boys
Abidoye Olufemi

Triple Jump Girls
Precious Chisom

The officials are; 
1 Odia Leonard Hurdles
2 Steve Nuhu Long Distance
3 Lati Obisesan Throws/Race Walk/Multi event
4 Maria Usifo Hurdles
5 Isaac Ikhabome Short Sprints
6 Saheed Akinpelu Long Sprints
7 Emilia Oyase Jumps
8 Tom Nnakwe Hurdles
9 Saheed Alabi Distance
10 Owiviri Edirin High Jump
11 Endurance Ojokolo Short Sprints
12 George Ezenwa Obiano Triple Jump
13 Tunde Sulaiman Long Jump/Triple Jump
14 Seigha Porbeni Jumps Monitor
15 Brown Ebewele Sprints/Multi event Monitor
16 Jide Joshia Camp Commandant
Navy Commondore Omatseye Nesiama(TD)

IAAF To Unmask Drugs Cheats After Hundreds Of Samples From 2005 World Athletics Championships Are Re-Tested

 A number of leading athletes who competed at the 2005 World Championships in Helsinki are set to be exposed as drug cheats after urine samples that have been held in frozen storage were re-tested by the International Association of Athletics Federations.

The IAAF deputy general secretary, Nick Davies, confirmed that “hundreds” of re-tests had been carried out on samples provided at the championships, resulting in several positive cases.

 He promised a “big announcement” in the near future when the identities of the athletes will be revealed, though two Russian women have already been unmasked by the Russian anti-doping agency.

 Olga Kuzenkova, who won gold in the hammer in Helsinki but who has since retired from athletics, faces being stripped of her title while long jumper Tatiana Kotova could forfeit her silver medal.

 Kotova is still competing but has been provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the disciplinary process.

 Davies said other athletes “in the low single figures” had returned positive results but added: “There are no British athletes involved. That’s a guarantee.”

The mass re-test was timed to take place marginally within the eight-year statute of limitations for drug violations laid down by the World Anti-Doping Code.

 “Retesting is something we always said we would do, right from the beginning,” Davies said.

 “We have an eight-year time when we can test and obviously you wait as long as you can.

 People ask, ‘Why are you doing it now? It makes no sense’. Actually, it makes perfect sense because the longer you wait, the more sophisticated the testing will be.”

 The naming of Kuzenkova and Kotova has added to the growing doping scandal in Russia, where 33 track and field athletes are serving drug bans.

British Athletics head coach Peter Eriksson called for an investigation into why so many Russian athletes were taking performance-enhancing drugs.

Culled from www.telegraph.co.uk

Kwara State Discovers ‘Usain Bolt’-As Schools Athletics Championship Ends

In keeping with the presidential directive on grassroots sports development, Kwara state Athletics Association concluded its first edition of All Kwara State Secondary Schools Athletics Championship in the main bowl of Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin, during which Nigeria's version of Jamaica’s world record holder, Usain Bolt was spotted.

In the wake of Thursday's 28th February 2013 successful organization of the championship, Kwara Athletics Association chairman, Alhaji Tunde Abdulkareem has won accolades from president of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria, Evangelist Solomon Ogba.

Speaking about his observations of the competition, Ogba said the event came up at the right time, as Nigeria is preparing for the Africa Athletics Youth Championship in Warri later this month and kudos should be given to Kwara State for their innovation.

Ogba also enjoined the state to send its athletes to the Dr. Olukoya U-18 championship holding this Thursday and Friday at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos.

The big revelation of the championship turned out to be 16 year old Oye of Sapati International School, who was nicknamed ‘Usain Bolt,’ after winning the Boys 100m race with 11.06 seconds.

The silver was won by Rotimi Isaac of David Akintola College (11.38secs) and the bronze went to Mohammed Kafa (11.53secs), while Ini Oye also won the Best Male Athlete Award of the championship and the boys 200m with (22.5secs).

The silver and bronze medals went to Rotimi Isaac of David Akintola College (23.3secs) and Oyebanji Solomon of FGC Senior, Ilorin (23.5secs).

Other results of the championship include the Girls 100m where Ashamo Taiye from C&S College won the gold with her (12.5 secs) time. She also won the Best Girl Athlete Award.

The silver and bronze were won by Samuel Rachael of Ekiti LGA (13.1) and Opeyemi Katharat of FGC (13.1) respectively while, in the girls 200m event, Adewumi bosede of Ekiti LGA (27.1secs) won the gold, Bolufuwi Bridget of FGC Ilorin (27.7secs) got silver and Samuel Rachael of Ekiti Junior (27.7secs) won bronze.

In the 4x400m girls relay, Ekiti LGA Schools won gold with 4.34secs, GDSS Odo Okun (4.44.1secs) silver and IGS Idofian (4.44.9secs) won bronze.

Going to the men’s 4x400m, FGC Ilorin Snr. (3.45.5) and FGC junior (3. 48.4 took the gold and silver, while Model Secondary school Ilorin (3.49.7secs) went home with the bronze.

The 4x100m girls relay was won by Ekiti LGA schools (53.7), C&S College (54.55secs) and FGC snr. Ilorin (55.1secs) went home with the silver and bronze respectively, while the boys category of the 400x100m saw first, second and third as C&S (45.7), FGC Snr. (46.1) and Sapati International (46.7).

IAAF’s HPTC Concept

The IAAF High Performance Training Centres (HPTC) provide a cite of excellence for the training and development of international class athletes and coaches. The Centres are managed and supervised under IAAF control.

The first HPTC was opened by the IAAF in 1997. Since then, the IAAF has opened HPTC's in several Areas around the world: notably in Africa, Asia, South America, NACAC (North America, Central America and Caribbean) and Oceania.

Many athletes have benefited from time spent at these HPTC's and have improved their performances at world level as a result. Indeed, a number of HPTC-trained athletes have gone on to become medal winners at international competitions.

This success has led to many IAAF Member Federations entrusting the advancement of their elite athletes to these training centres.

Enshrined in the Objects of the IAAF Constitution is the strongest possible commitment to world-wide development of athletics. This, of course, is a huge and complex task.

The challenge is to create the conditions under which as many athletes as possible can express their potential in competition and derive the maximum benefit from the sport in the country of each IAAF Member Federation.

The central principle of the IAAF's development philosophy is co-operation between the IAAF, its Member Federations and other partners.

As each Member Federation is responsible for athletics within its country, it has a leading role in operating and developing the sport. The IAAF's contribution is to assist Member Federations in fulfilling this role as effectively as possible.

The IAAF development activities date back to the mid-seventies when the Congress in Montreal approved the “Technical Aid Programme” proposed by József Sir (Hungary) who later became the first director of the programme and established the Development Commission.

In 1987, the IAAF created the Development Department. The Department’s first action was to make a situation analysis in the six Areas and in 1988 the Development Commission approved the Development Programme proposed by them.

Since 1987 with the opening of the first Regional Development Centre (RDC) in Nairobi a network of RDCs, covering all six IAAF Areas, has supported the work of the Member Federations by providing a focal point for the programme of development activities in their region.

In accordance with the declaration of the late Primo Nebiolo that the nineties shall be the Decade of Development, these years saw a dynamic increase of development activities all over the world.

Diack Charges Nigerians -IAAF Boss Says: Make Full Use Of Center

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) President, Lamine Diack is optimistic Nigeria athletics will produce great stars when the High Performance Center situated at the University of Port Harcourt is completed and also hopes that Nigeria athletics will be in full bloom again and thereby repeating the glory days that put Nigerian athletes in the bright spot of international athletics.

The former Africa Athletics president stated this when he came on a visit to Nigeria to receive a Doctorate Degree from the University of Port Harcourt recently. Diack, who says he use to come to Nigeria at least two to three times in a year, advised Nigerians to make full use of the HPC as according to him, he is keen in seeing Nigeria and Africans occupying and winning the relays and shot sprints in future.

“Nigeria is one country that is very strong when it comes to athletics in Africa and I believe with the setting up of the High Performance center here in Nigeria, I hope the center will be fully utilized when operational so that the past heroic of Nigerian athletes will come back to the fore.

“I love Nigeria, I come here two to three times in a year when I was an athlete for Senegal, I played professional football and later I started track and field.

“With the caliber of athletes Nigeria had then, their names are always a treat to others so I hope the center will be use to re-ignite that spirit in the country.”

On the activities of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and its President, Evangelist Solomon Ogba, Diack said kudos should be give to the AFN president for is resolve to develop the sport in Nigeria, he said Ogba is among the few in Africa that really has the sport in heart.

“There is no doubt Nigeria athletics will not progress because with the man heading the Nigeria Athletics Federation, Solomon Ogba, I see changers in Nigeria athletics in the last 5 years and kudos should be give to Ogba and his board members for lifting Nigeria athletics to where it is today.
“The young man is one very few in Africa that has really turn around his country’s athletics,” he concluded.

Diack Charges Nigerians -IAAF Boss Says: Make Full Use Of Center

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) President, Lamine Diack is optimistic Nigeria athletics will produce great stars when the High Performance Center situated at the University of Port Harcourt is completed and also hopes that Nigeria athletics will be in full bloom again and thereby repeating the glory days that put Nigerian athletes in the bright spot of international athletics.

The former Africa Athletics president stated this when he came on a visit to Nigeria to receive a Doctorate Degree from the University of Port Harcourt recently. Diack, who says he use to come to Nigeria at least two to three times in a year, advised Nigerians to make full use of the HPC as according to him, he is keen in seeing Nigeria and Africans occupying and winning the relays and shot sprints in future.

“Nigeria is one country that is very strong when it comes to athletics in Africa and I believe with the setting up of the High Performance center here in Nigeria, I hope the center will be fully utilized when operational so that the past heroic of Nigerian athletes will come back to the fore.

“I love Nigeria, I come here two to three times in a year when I was an athlete for Senegal, I played professional football and later I started track and field.

“With the caliber of athletes Nigeria had then, their names are always a treat to others so I hope the center will be use to re-ignite that spirit in the country.”

On the activities of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and its President, Evangelist Solomon Ogba, Diack said kudos should be give to the AFN president for is resolve to develop the sport in Nigeria, he said Ogba is among the few in Africa that really has the sport in heart.

“There is no doubt Nigeria athletics will not progress because with the man heading the Nigeria Athletics Federation, Solomon Ogba, I see changers in Nigeria athletics in the last 5 years and kudos should be give to Ogba and his board members for lifting Nigeria athletics to where it is today.
“The young man is one very few in Africa that has really turn around his country’s athletics,” he concluded.

Give Africa Great Athletes – Kalkaba Tasks Nigeria

President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), retired Colonel Hamad Kalkaba has charged Nigeria to bring back the glory days of its athletes by using the center to provide for Africa athletes that will challenge the World.

Kalkaba who was in Nigeria recently said he opted for Nigeria for the High performance Center due to Nigeria’s high rate of talents and great athletes. He said he believes Nigeria should be able to provide for Africa the great athletes she needs from the Center. The former Cameroon athlete said Africa athletes can win huge numbers of gold if they get good support from government the way they pump funds into football.

“I am challenging Nigerians to use the center to bring back the glory days of the country’s track and field.
“There are other countries that I recommend for the center but I decided to choose Nigeria because of its talents. The country has talented track and field stars.
“Africa heads of States should try and put funds into track and field just like they do in football.
“If that is done, I don’t see why Africans will not excel in international championships.” Kalkaba also said; “The Nigeria Athletics President, Solomon Ogba should really be commended for his development of Nigeria athletics.

“When I brought the idea of the center with Ekeji and Ndanusa in 2011, they promised to look into it, but last year in Porto Novo during the Africa Senior Athletics Championships, I discussed it with Solomon Ogba and what he promised (quick action) is what we are seeing today.”

Meanwhile, speaking on the potentials of Africa track and field athletes, the retired Cameroonian Army Colonel said, “Africa has great potentials that the continent is utilizing just 25% of that.

“Africa is targeting 20 gold medals in the next Olympics and in achieving that we need to prepare very well by utilizing the High performance Center in Nigeria and other places.
“We lost our pride to European country because most of the athletes winning medals for them are Africans.” He thanked Diack for supporting Africa.

Center Will Be Regional – Ogba -Wants Nigerian Athletes To Key In

The High Performance Center approved for Nigeria by the IAAF will be a regional one when operational, said the President of the AFN, Evangelist Solomon Ogba.

The elated Ogba, who said athletes from Cameroon, Benin Republic and Niger among others will be using the center, advised Nigeria athletes to also take the opportunity the center will bring as the University of Port Harcourt will be running a scholarship program for athletes when the center becomes operational. He stated that most of Nigeria professional athletes are under scholarships in schools in the USA and enjoined athletes at home to key into the Scholarship the UNIPORT will be giving out to its athletes when the center becomes operational later this year.

“I am very happy we got the approval of the center from the IAAF. The center will be functioning very soon and when it does, it will be a regional one. “Athletes from Cameroon, Benin Republic, Niger and others will be using the center also so I will advise Nigerians to make good use of it.

“Most of our athletes are in the USA and other European countries under scholarships and I will advise the ones back to key into the UNIPORT scholarship when the center starts because there is life after sports,” said Ogba, while also thanking the Director General of National Sports Commission for his support.

Performance Center Gets NSC Nod -Ekeji Throws Weight Behind IAAF Project

Director General of the National Sports Commission, Dr. Patrick Ekeji has thrown his weight and that of the NSC on the High Performance Center that was approved by the President of the IAAF in Nigeria.

According to Dr. Ekeji, the NSC is fully in support of the center because one cannot remove high performance from sports science; noting that nothing will work if all these are not brought together. He therefore challenged other institution in Nigeria to create a department for medicine in sports so as to improve Nigeria sportsmen and women in the school.

“Things are beginning to fall in place for Nigeria as the High Performance Center in UNIPORT, when operational will help our athletes develop in sports medicine and other areas to enhance there performances.
“When I was told about the center coming to Nigeria, I supported it immediately because I know it will help our athletes greatly.

“One thing we lack today in Nigeria is sports science and you cannot remove high performance from sports science as it will not work so it is very good we are now having the center.” While speaking on Olympic qualifications for Africa athletes, Ekeji challenge the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) to make the All Africa Games as an Olympic qualifier which he said will raise the standard of the Games as professional athletes in Africa who wishes to attend the Olympics will turn up.

“The All Africa Games is Africa’s own Olympics and to make it have a standard, ANOCA should make it an Olympic qualifying Games as it will see Africa professional athletes coming back to participate because no athlete will want to miss the Olympics.
“Most of the professional athletes don’t turn up for major African events and I think this decision, if taken will see the pros coming to partake in big events in Africa.”

Nesiama Expects Bright Future

Athletics Federation of Nigeria technical director, Navy Commodore Omatsheye Nesiama is optimistic the center will turn around Nigeria athletics when it becomes operational.

Nesiama said the next two years will be crucial for development and hopefully at the next Olympics there will be no sad tales to tell of the country’s athletics.

“With the High Performance centre starting soon, we are looking forward to rapid development of athletics in Nigeria. It has been approved by the IAAF and we are only putting things together to have it take off as soon as possible.

“As you know, the centre encompasses all aspects of athletics development. Local and international coaches will be on hand to train our athletes,” said Nesiama.

He submitted that the AFN is putting every machinery in place to start the developmental programme. This include performance based training meant for athletes who are already matured and grassroots development, which will see coaches scout for young talents that will be groomed to international standards.

“Within the next two years, we hope to see a remarkable improvement in Nigerian athletics. Some of the athletes we took to the Olympics are under 26 and we hope to give them all the necessary support and training to get them up to world standards performers,” Nesiama added.

Nesiama Expects Bright Future

Athletics Federation of Nigeria technical director, Navy Commodore Omatsheye Nesiama is optimistic the center will turn around Nigeria athletics when it becomes operational.

Nesiama said the next two years will be crucial for development and hopefully at the next Olympics there will be no sad tales to tell of the country’s athletics.

“With the High Performance centre starting soon, we are looking forward to rapid development of athletics in Nigeria. It has been approved by the IAAF and we are only putting things together to have it take off as soon as possible.

“As you know, the centre encompasses all aspects of athletics development. Local and international coaches will be on hand to train our athletes,” said Nesiama.

He submitted that the AFN is putting every machinery in place to start the developmental programme. This include performance based training meant for athletes who are already matured and grassroots development, which will see coaches scout for young talents that will be groomed to international standards.

“Within the next two years, we hope to see a remarkable improvement in Nigerian athletics. Some of the athletes we took to the Olympics are under 26 and we hope to give them all the necessary support and training to get them up to world standards performers,” Nesiama added.

World Class Coaches Coming-AFN Seeks IAAF Involvement

In order to achieve the purpose of the High Performance Center approved for the development of Nigeria athletics, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has decided to recommend World class athletics coaches to the center.

This enchanting angle to the performance centre was provided by AFN president, Evangelist Solomon Ogba, while thanking the IAAF president, Lamine Diack for approving the center for Nigeria. Ogba went on to appeal to Diack to be patient with Nigeria when the center begins as it will take some time to achieve desired results from the athletes but promised that before long, the world will see the benefit of the center.

According to Ogba, Nigeria is blessed with young talent but attributed the failure of athletes to none harvesting of the abundant athletes in the country.

“I want to specially thank the IAAF President lamine Diack and the President of the CAA, Colonel Hamad Kalkaba for their decision to site the center in Nigeria. Both men did us proud for the honour.

“We are blessed with talents in Nigeria but we have not been able to harvest the best and with the coming of the High Performance Center, Nigeria will begin to see the abundant athletes there are.” Apart from approving the center for Nigeria, Evangelist Solomon Ogba said Lamine Diack also approves a grant of $50. 000 for the take off of the center.

 “Apart from approving the center, Diack has also approved a take off grant of 50, 000 pounds and to also increase it from that amount.

Journey To Garden City -As Honorary Awards Flow At UNIPORT

The first hint about the 2013 establishment of the IAAF high level performance center in Port Harcourt came in November last year, during the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Centenary Gala Show in Barcelona, Spain.
On the fringes of the gala, the IAAF top brass confirmed the formal agreement to seal the deal would be signed in January 2013. The highlight of the IAAF Centenary Gala was the announcement of Jamaica’s World and Olympic champion, Usain Bolt and American Allyson Felix, as 2012 Male and Female Athletes of the Year. Bolt, who won the award for the fourth time, and Felix, a first-time winner, received their trophies and $100,000 prize at the Athletes of the Year Awards ceremony in the Grand Ballroom of the Pullman Skipper Hotel, while Jamaica’s
Head Coach, Glen Mills was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award. Attention then shifted to February, on the sidelines of the official launch of the center, IAAF boss, Lamine Diack, was conferred with an honorary doctorate degree by the University of Port Harcourt, during the institution's 29th convocation ceremony.
Technical Director of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Omatseye Nesiama disclosed that the Senegalese track and field guru was in Nigeria on a three day visit (February 7 to 9) to receive the award, to assess the HPTC site and get an opportunity to determine where the IAAF could assist Nigeria.
 “The University of Port Harcourt honoured Diack for his contributions to track and field in Nigeria based on the approval of the establishment of a High Performance Training Centre located at the sports complex of the University of Port Harcourt last November,” Nesiama explained. AFN President, Solomon Ogba alongside National Sports Commission (NSC) Director General, Dr. Patrick Ekeji, former AFN boss, Dan Ngerem and Nigeria Olympic President, Sani Ndanusa, were awardees of Fellows award of the University of Port Harcourt Sports Institution.

HIGH LEVEL ATHLETICS -Nigeria Gets Support For Improved Performance

Nigeria recently joined the rank of elite African countries that are blessed with edifices called high performance athletics center, as the global body for track and field, IAAF, took its latest developmental venture to Port Harcourt. SportsDay’s athletics guru, OKE OLUKU was their live and recounts catchy details and comments of the event in The Garden City ….
All hopes held by lovers of track and field in the country for improved levels of performances among Nigerian athletes in continental and global events recently received a boost, when International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) stormed the Rivers State capital, Port Harcourt to launch its latest high level athletics performance centre in Africa.
The event in The Garden City, which mark another milestone in the long line and still growing list of achievements of the current board of Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN), under the able leadership of current president, Evangelist (Chief) Solomon Ogba, drew the crème de la crème of athletics from all corners of the world. The center is expected to help Nigeria develop its athletes, especially in the country's traditional areas of strength - sprints, the quarter-miles and the jumps.
Nigeria thus became the third of two African countries - alongside Senegal and Kenya - where such high level centers would be situated on the continent, and the location for the country's structure turned out to be University of Port Harcourt.
 “At last, we have been able to secure approval for the center from IAAF, to help our athletes develop their talents. We are happy because Nigeria can also boast in Africa that it has such a centre; we only had two such centers in Eldoret, Kenya and Dakar, Senegal. It is good for us at AFN,” AFN technical director, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama enthused.
Nesiama also said the UNIPORT centre would specialize in Nigeria's areas of strength like the sprints, the quarter-miles and the jumps, to help to develop athletes.
“We want our athletes to improve on their strengths and work on their weaknesses and I am sure that with this center and adequate usage of the facility, our athletes will improve,” he submitted.