By Maxwell Kumoye with additional report by Ben Efe in Accra
The second edition of Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), Region 2 Senior Athletics Championships begins today at the University of Ghana Legon, Sports Complex, Accra.
Nigeria along with 15 other countries from the West Africa sub region are expected to participate in the 2 day competition involving over 450 athletes vying for honours in 20 events.
26 athletes will be representing Team Nigeria that won the maiden edition of the championship two years ago at the same venue.
Nigeria is using the championship to chase a World Championship relay tickets in the men and women’s 4x100m and 4x400m.
Athletics Federation of Nigeria head coach, Solomon Aliyu noted the team is ready to compete as the relay quartets chase a good time that will qualify them for the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan next month.
Despite the absence of top Nigerian athletes that may do the job much easier, Solomon Aliyu said there are many reasons to be optimistic.
“We are keeping our fingers crossed, we have the relay teams here who are ready to compete and produce the kind of performance we hope for…Let see things go especially the 4x400m teams.
The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Chief Tonobok Okowa who spoke to the athletes Sunday after their training at the University of Ghana warm-up tracks urged them to prove once again that Nigeria is a force to reckon with in track and field.
“This is another opportunity to show the world the strength and resilience of Nigerian athletes. Go out there with confidence, make yourselves proud, make the Federation proud, and above all, make Nigeria proud. We believe in your talent, and we are confident you will deliver.”
TEAM NIGERIA
100M/200M & 4x100M
✓ Olaolu Olatunde
✓ James Taiwo Emmanuel
✓ Abdulgafar Audu
✓ Chidera Nzeakor
MEN’S 110M HURDLES
✓ Nnamdi Onwaeze
✓ Musa Wisdom Great
400M & 4X400M
✓ Gafari Badmus
✓ Ezekiel Asuquo
✓ Victor Sampson
✓ David Alkalu
LONG JUMP
✓ Charles Godfred
TRIPLE JUMP
✓ Blessing Oluwayemi
JAVELIN
✓ Adams Kure
SHOT PUT
✓ Dickson Ugochukwu
WOMEM
100M/200M & 4x100M
✓ Chioma Nweke,
✓ Olayinka Olajide
✓ Iyanuoluwa Bada
✓ Maria Thompson
400M & 4X400M
✓ Patience Okon-George
✓ Favour Onyah
✓ Opeyemi Oke
✓ Anita Enaruna
800M
Comfort Anietie James
LONG JUMP
✓ Prestina Ochonogor
TRIPLE JUMP
Treasure Omosiuwe
JAVELIN
Victoria Kparika
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
✓ Gabriel Okon
HEAD COACH
✓ Solomon Aliyu
Host Ghana has a 30 man contingent made up of 17 male and 13 female for the championship and will compete in 20 events.
