The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, is the battle ground today, as athletes battle for tickets to be part of Team Nigeria to the 19th World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary, in August.

It is second Golden League event organised by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) this year. The first Golden League held at MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, on May 26, produced a spectacular race with Samuel Ogazi emerging the star athlete in the 400m final, which he won in 45.91 seconds.

Since then, a total of 14 athletes have been in the national team camp in Asaba with four coaches putting finishing touches to their baton exchange in readiness for the relay events.

The AFN Golden League in Benin City, which will hold today and tomorrow, will among other things, give the athletes the chance to try their luck in the relay qualification battle in the 4x100m (male and female), 4x400m (male and female) and the mixed 4×400 relay.

The Guardian learnt that the national camp was dissolved on Monday for the athletes to try their luck at the Golden League in Benin City. Speaking with The Guardian, yesterday, ahead today’s Golden League event, AFN’s Head Coach, Seigha Porbeni said: “I am looking forward to an explosive event in Benin City because the athletes, who have been in the national camp, will want to prove why they were picked, while athletes coming from the various states will want to displace them. The countdown to the World Championship in Budapest is on, and for any home-based athlete to make the party, this is an opportunity to prove what he or she can offer before our foreign-based athletes come in later,” Porbeni stated. He disclosed that 32 athletes and eight coaches are representing Team Delta at the event.

Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Samuel Ogazi, as he attempts to improve on his 45.91 seconds in the 400m. The Kaduna-based star represented Dynamic Athletics Club at the AFN Golden League in Abuja.

AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, has urged the athletes to use the Golden League in Benin City to improve on their performances to be part of Team Nigeria to Budapest 2023 World Athletics Championships. (The Guardian)

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