As the World Athletics Championship trials enter day two of actions and thrills in Benin on Wednesday, the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa, has commended Edo state government for hosting the 2023 World Athletics Championship Trials in Benin.

World Athletics Championship Trials : Edo State Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, with AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, and former AFN official, Solomon Ogba at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria began the world Athletics Championship Budapest 2023 trials in Benin on Tuesday, July 5, 2023 with over 450 athletes, including World Champions Tobi Amusan, Ese Brume and others in Benin to literally burn the tartan tracks at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

Chief Tonobok Okowa who said he was satisfied with the organisation of the event and happenings so far, urged other states of the federation
to emulate Edo.

“We find Benin comfortable for our national events. The infrastructure is solid. Most importantly, let me commend Edo State Government government and the Governor for their magnanimity, hosting the 2023 World Athletics Championship Trials.

World Athletics Championship Trials : Edo State Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, former AFN official, Solomon Ogba with some of the athletes at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

“Edo State Government has done a lot, supporting the Athletics Federation of Nigeria. They have supported with funding, accomodation, feeding us to ensure a successful hosting of the National event in Benin. I thank the Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, and his Deputy Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu for all that they have done for us,” Chief Tonobok said.

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He expressed the confidence that Amusan and Brume who already qualified will do Nigeria proud at the 2023 Budapest World Athletics Championship.

Meanwhile, Tobi Amusan claimed the Nigeria’s 100m huddle at the event, and will be representing Nigeria in Budapest.

Blessing Ogundiran Of Edo State also won the 100m today with a personal best of 11:50 sec.

The AFN trials holding in Benin is to select Nigeria’s flag bearers for the world Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary.