Lagos — Nigeria's foremost queen of the track Mary Onyali-Omagbemi has applauded the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, (AFN) for introducing the Golden League series in the countries athletics calendar.
Speaking at the fourth edition of the League which held at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi at the weekend, Atlanta '96 Olympic bronze medalist who also holds the 200m African record at 22.07secs said that the Golden League and the Monthly Classic are veritable ground to discover and nurture talents.
"This is a good development for our athletics. I really feel excited seen athletes here competing for cash. It is just like what the IAAF is doing with the Golden League now upgraded to a Diamond League. I just hope the present board will sustain it for Nigerian track and field to continue to benefit," observed the ex athlete now into business.
Mrs Onyali-Omagbemi insisted that the prize money of N30, 000, N20, 000 and N10, 000 for the first to third position in the Golden League events are comparable to what some of the small meets in Europe pay.
"As you can see, most of the top athletes in the country are here competing. No matter how you look at the prize money, it is something these athletes need for their welfare. So many of them here to actually earn it," stressed the former sprint queen. She was happy to see two Nigerian home based female quarter milers running 51.2 secs at this time of the year.
"Those girls (Etim Margaret of Ondo and Josephine Ehigie of Police) were really outstanding here. With more push and determination they are capable of doing 50.0 secs which will be good for the country at the Commonwealth Games." Interestingly, Onyali-Omagbemi had little to cheer in her specialty, the sprints. Agnes Osazuwa , Shola Ogundemu and Chinazor Amadi who placed 1st ,2nd and 3rd in the 100m had times incomparable to what the USA based runner was churning out for Nigeria.
The men version was a one-way traffic for Benjamin Adukwu who easily won in the absence of champions Ogho-Oghene Egwero who went racing a foreign meet. Adukwu won in 10.49secs.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Okagbare headed to Eugene, nominated for Honda Sports Award
Nigeria's Blessing Okagbare has secured her spot at NCAA Championships after qualifying automatically in her two events on day 2 of the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships West Preliminary yesterday in Austin, Texas.
The University of Texas, El Paso (UTEP) nine-time All-American flew out of the blocks in the first heat of the women's 100 metres quarterfinals to cross the finish line first with a time of 11.22 secs.
Okagbare, who went into the meet with the nation's fastest time this season, had earlier ran 11.26 secs in the first round on Thursday
The University of Texas, El Paso (UTEP) nine-time All-American flew out of the blocks in the first heat of the women's 100 metres quarterfinals to cross the finish line first with a time of 11.22 secs.
Okagbare, who went into the meet with the nation's fastest time this season, had earlier ran 11.26 secs in the first round on Thursday
Iworima laments dire state of facilities for Nigerian athletes
The 2006 Commonwealth Triple Jump silver medallist, Otonye Iworima, has painted a gory picture of the state of facilities with which Nigerian athletes are compelled to train ahead of the Commonwealth Games slated for India in October.
Otonye who spoke in an interview, however, noted that athletes have been able to adapt to the situation and as such the country might excel at the Games despite the sorry state of facilities.
She said: "One thing I don't do is underestimate Nigerian athletes irrespective of the circumstance or the situation before we go to compete.
We have the determination no matter how bad the situation or facilities are, therefore I can never expect the worst from us (athletes), I always think we are going to give the best especially from those we don't really expect."
Meanwhile, 34-year old Iworima has commenced preparations for the Mobil Track and Field Championships which holds from June 24-26. The Nigerian triple jumper was of the opinion that excelling at Mobil would indeed not be a big deal for her.
"All my focus presently is in Mobil. I have commenced preparations for that", she said.
In 2006 she also finished third at the African Senior Athletics Championships and was chosen as the Nigerian Female Athlete of the Year. In 2007 she won another bronze medal, at the All-Africa Games
Otonye who spoke in an interview, however, noted that athletes have been able to adapt to the situation and as such the country might excel at the Games despite the sorry state of facilities.
She said: "One thing I don't do is underestimate Nigerian athletes irrespective of the circumstance or the situation before we go to compete.
We have the determination no matter how bad the situation or facilities are, therefore I can never expect the worst from us (athletes), I always think we are going to give the best especially from those we don't really expect."
Meanwhile, 34-year old Iworima has commenced preparations for the Mobil Track and Field Championships which holds from June 24-26. The Nigerian triple jumper was of the opinion that excelling at Mobil would indeed not be a big deal for her.
"All my focus presently is in Mobil. I have commenced preparations for that", she said.
In 2006 she also finished third at the African Senior Athletics Championships and was chosen as the Nigerian Female Athlete of the Year. In 2007 she won another bronze medal, at the All-Africa Games
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Egwero chases Golden League jackpot to Lagos
The duo of Josephine Omaka and Ogho-Oghene Egwero top the list of athletes still in contention for the N1, million jackpot up for grabs in the ongoing Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Golden League Meetings.
The Meet which enters its third leg this weekend is billed for the Sports Complex of Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.
Other contenders
Others still in contention include Biola Onakoya who remains undefeated in the 400m events, Magret Etim in the 200m and Ishaku Mohammed in the 800m amongst others still in contention for the N1 million prize.
Speaking on his arrival in Lagos, Egwero pointed out that he is not under any form of pressure as he is ready to continue his winning streak. “It’s been a good year for me so far and I hope to continue the way I started, I want to improve on my time and hope for the best” he said.
Ogho-Oghene Egwero’s 10.32 secs 100m win in Ibadan made it two victories out of two legs for the Doha World Indoor 2010 60m semi-finalist.
We are ready
Meanwhile, Technical director of the AFN, Sunday Bada confirmed to NEXTsports that all arrangements have been put in place by the Federation to ensure a successful athletics meeting. “We have made adequate arrangement for the meet, you would agree with me that each leg of the meet as witnessed one form of improvement or the other so Lagos would not be an exception” he said.
Bada added that the Federation has equally been able to secure some sponsorship for the Lagos Meet pointing out that the corporate world are beginning to see the seriousness in the federation’s drive to change the face of athletics.
“Two companies have given us support and we expect more to come, at least they are beginning to see that athletics is a strong brand” he said.
Looking back at the two legs already concluded, Bada opined that the League is achieving the aim it was set for. “We want to keep our athletes in shape for the big event we have later this year and so far they have be showing great signs of improvement both at home and those abroad” he said.
Just like the previous legs, an all comers event is meant to herald the league with races meant to begin from 9am today. The race is meant to give more upcoming athletes an opportunity to compete.
Elite Athletes returns
According to Bada some elite athletes who have not been part of the league has already shown interest to participate in the Lagos leg.
They include Godday James, Saul Weigopowa, and Emem Edem. Already Godday James have confirmed his participation to NEXTsports stating that it would a nice thing for him to compete.
Some of the events that would be competed for in Lagos include the 100 metres, 400 metres, 800 metres, 400 metres hurdles, Triple Jump, High Jump, 4x100 metres and 4x400 metres for men.
The women would compete in 100 metres, 200 metres, 400 metres, 1500 metres, 5000 metres, 400 metres hurdles, Long Jump, 4x100 metres and 4x400 metres.
The top three athletes for each event are to receive cash prizes of N20,000, N15,000 and N10,000 respectively.
The Meet which enters its third leg this weekend is billed for the Sports Complex of Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.
Other contenders
Others still in contention include Biola Onakoya who remains undefeated in the 400m events, Magret Etim in the 200m and Ishaku Mohammed in the 800m amongst others still in contention for the N1 million prize.
Speaking on his arrival in Lagos, Egwero pointed out that he is not under any form of pressure as he is ready to continue his winning streak. “It’s been a good year for me so far and I hope to continue the way I started, I want to improve on my time and hope for the best” he said.
Ogho-Oghene Egwero’s 10.32 secs 100m win in Ibadan made it two victories out of two legs for the Doha World Indoor 2010 60m semi-finalist.
We are ready
Meanwhile, Technical director of the AFN, Sunday Bada confirmed to NEXTsports that all arrangements have been put in place by the Federation to ensure a successful athletics meeting. “We have made adequate arrangement for the meet, you would agree with me that each leg of the meet as witnessed one form of improvement or the other so Lagos would not be an exception” he said.
Bada added that the Federation has equally been able to secure some sponsorship for the Lagos Meet pointing out that the corporate world are beginning to see the seriousness in the federation’s drive to change the face of athletics.
“Two companies have given us support and we expect more to come, at least they are beginning to see that athletics is a strong brand” he said.
Looking back at the two legs already concluded, Bada opined that the League is achieving the aim it was set for. “We want to keep our athletes in shape for the big event we have later this year and so far they have be showing great signs of improvement both at home and those abroad” he said.
Just like the previous legs, an all comers event is meant to herald the league with races meant to begin from 9am today. The race is meant to give more upcoming athletes an opportunity to compete.
Elite Athletes returns
According to Bada some elite athletes who have not been part of the league has already shown interest to participate in the Lagos leg.
They include Godday James, Saul Weigopowa, and Emem Edem. Already Godday James have confirmed his participation to NEXTsports stating that it would a nice thing for him to compete.
Some of the events that would be competed for in Lagos include the 100 metres, 400 metres, 800 metres, 400 metres hurdles, Triple Jump, High Jump, 4x100 metres and 4x400 metres for men.
The women would compete in 100 metres, 200 metres, 400 metres, 1500 metres, 5000 metres, 400 metres hurdles, Long Jump, 4x100 metres and 4x400 metres.
The top three athletes for each event are to receive cash prizes of N20,000, N15,000 and N10,000 respectively.
golden-league afn-wants-improved-performances-in-owerri
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria golden league moves to Owerri, Imo state next weekend and officials are expecting the athletes to rake up heart warming performances in view of the 2010 African Championships and the Commonwealth Games.
Egwero returns to Golden League
After missing out from the last leg of the AFN Golden League Meet held in Markurdi, Nigeria's current fastest man, Ogho-Oghene Egwero, is set to make a return to the fifth edition of the League, which gets underway later today at The Dan Ayiam Stadium in Owerri.
Egwero, who returned to the country on Monday said in a telephone interview that he would do all to claim another race win in Owerri. "It is good to be back. I hope to continue from where I stopped before I travelled to participate in some other athletics meets in Germany."
Before his departure, Egwero had previously won the first three editions of the league held in Kaduna, Ibadan and Lagos. He was, however, displaced in absentia by close rival Benjamin Adukwu who won the last leg in Markurdi. "I am happy for him winning in Markurdi, but I am back to take my place," Egwero said.
Germany trip
Speaking on his trip to Germany, the KADA 2009 100m gold medallist said he was happy for the opportunity to go and compete in Europe but complained of the circumstances under which he had to run.
"I took part in three races. I won two and came second in the last but the times were not too impressive as I had to run the three races in the rain," he said.
For Egwero, winning the remaining two legs of the Golden League is his primary focus for now, so that he can have a share of the one million naira up for grabs.
Meanwhile, the technical director of the AFN, Sunday Bada, has assured that the Owerri Meet would be as successful as other legs of the meet.
Events to hold in Owerri
Some of the events that will be competed for in Owerri include the 100 metres, 400 metres,
800 metres, 400 metres hurdles, Triple Jump, High Jump, 4x100 metres and 4x400 metres for men.
While the women will compete in 100 metres, 200 metres, 400 metres, 1500 metres, 5000 metres, 400 metres hurdles, Long Jump, 4x100 metres and 4x400 metres.
The top three athletes for each event are to receive cash prizes of N20, 000, N15, 000 and N10, 000.
Egwero, who returned to the country on Monday said in a telephone interview that he would do all to claim another race win in Owerri. "It is good to be back. I hope to continue from where I stopped before I travelled to participate in some other athletics meets in Germany."
Before his departure, Egwero had previously won the first three editions of the league held in Kaduna, Ibadan and Lagos. He was, however, displaced in absentia by close rival Benjamin Adukwu who won the last leg in Markurdi. "I am happy for him winning in Markurdi, but I am back to take my place," Egwero said.
Germany trip
Speaking on his trip to Germany, the KADA 2009 100m gold medallist said he was happy for the opportunity to go and compete in Europe but complained of the circumstances under which he had to run.
"I took part in three races. I won two and came second in the last but the times were not too impressive as I had to run the three races in the rain," he said.
For Egwero, winning the remaining two legs of the Golden League is his primary focus for now, so that he can have a share of the one million naira up for grabs.
Meanwhile, the technical director of the AFN, Sunday Bada, has assured that the Owerri Meet would be as successful as other legs of the meet.
Events to hold in Owerri
Some of the events that will be competed for in Owerri include the 100 metres, 400 metres,
800 metres, 400 metres hurdles, Triple Jump, High Jump, 4x100 metres and 4x400 metres for men.
While the women will compete in 100 metres, 200 metres, 400 metres, 1500 metres, 5000 metres, 400 metres hurdles, Long Jump, 4x100 metres and 4x400 metres.
The top three athletes for each event are to receive cash prizes of N20, 000, N15, 000 and N10, 000.
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