Okpepke Race Excites AFN Boss, Ogba

...As Itemuagbo Confirms Adidas Participation

President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Evangelist Solomon Ogba has expressed excitement on the first edition of the Okpekpe 10km International Road Race coming up on the 4th of May in Okpekpe, Edo State.

He made this declaration when the LOC paid a courtesy visit to Governor, Adams Oshiomhole in Benin City, capital of Edo state. Ogba observed that Okpekpe presents a unique venue for the tourney revealing that eight African countries have sent in their entries for the race.

“I am excited and happy to be part of the Okpekpe 10km International Road Race and with races like these, Nigeria roads will be in good shape.

“The race will be a success because as at now, we have eight African countries that have sent in their entries and before the closing date for entries. I believe we shall be having more countries willing to participate in the race in Okpekpe village that presents a unique venue for the tourney.”

Ogba, who solicited for land in Okpekpe to build a training camp where altitude tests for Nigerian athletes could be carried out, also appealed to Governor Adams Oshiomhole to give life to sport development in Edo State. He concluded that the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium will on the 27th of May; host the second edition of the AFN /Solid Works Limited Golden League.

However, initiator of the first Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, Special Adviser to the Edo Governor on Sports Matters, Chief Mike Itemuagbo told SportsDay that world renowned kitting firm, Adidas is identifying with the concept of the race adding that the company will be represented on May 4th while saying, they will come out in full to support hopefully in the next edition.

The Okpekpe Road Race, a first of its kind in Nigeria, is a long distance race of 10 kilometers over hills and sandy path, which 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.