Two African countries, The Gambia and Benin Republic, have arrived in Asaba for the Warri Grand Prix, an athletics event taking place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium. The event serves as a tribute to the late Dr. Awoture Eleyae, former Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Sports In Africa (SCSA). Nigeria's 4x100m relay team aims to qualify for the Budapest 2023 World Championship, and the event also features the 4x400m and mixed relays. The competition aims to showcase young talents discovered through Dr. Awoture Eleyae's U-14, U-15, and U-17 Championships.
Two African countries, The Gambia and Benin Republic, have arrived in Asaba, Nigeria, for the highly anticipated Warri Grand Prix. Taking place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, this athletics event is set to celebrate the rich legacy of the late Dr. Awoture Eleyae, a renowned sports administrator.
Dr. Awoture Eleyae, the former Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Sports In Africa (SCSA), passed away last week in Benin City, leaving behind a remarkable contribution to Nigerian sports. Among his numerous achievements, Dr. Awoture Eleyae's most significant pet project was the U-14, U-15, and U-17 Championships. This laudable initiative has played a pivotal role in unearthing young talents, many of whom have gone on to make a significant impact on the international stage.
A notable example of the talents discovered through the Awoture Eleyae's U-14, U-15, and U-17 Championships is the trio of Divine Oduduru, Favour Ofili, and Ese Brume. These exceptional athletes, discovered between 2013 and 2014, have made the nation proud with their impressive performances.
The President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tonobok Okowa, expressed his excitement about the upcoming event. He emphasized that the Warri Grand Prix presents an invaluable opportunity for Nigeria's 4x100m relay team to qualify for the Budapest 2023 World Championship.
The Warri Grand Prix encompasses a three-in-one event, including the 4x100m, 4x400m, and mixed relays. Athletes from several African countries, including Nigeria, Gambia, and Benin Republic, will compete fiercely in these events, showcasing their prowess and aiming for glory.
In a bid to promote grassroots sports development, the Delta State Sports Commission has instructed all secondary schools in the three senatorial districts to form teams and participate in the 4x100m, 4x400m, and mixed relays.
Nigeria's 4x100m relay team faced disappointment during their previous attempt to qualify for the World Championships in Budapest. Due to a mix-up in baton exchange, they fell short of the desired result in Cotonou, Benin Republic. However, AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, remains optimistic, asserting that the team possesses the necessary skills and determination to secure a spot in Budapest.
"I still believe our athletes have all it takes to run the required time to take Nigeria to Budapest in the 4x100m relay. We have already qualified in three relay events: the women's 4x100m, 4x400m, and the mixed relay. It will be good if our men's 4x100m team joins them tomorrow in Asaba," Okowa stated.
Outside his involvement in sports administration, Dr. Awoture Eleyae was a trailblazer in Nigerian basketball. As captain of the Nigerian basketball team, he led his side to victory in the first All Africa Games in 1965. Additionally, he played an instrumental role in designing and pioneering the Nigerian Institute for Sports (NIS). Between 1975 and 1984, he served as the institute's inaugural principal, before rising to the position of Deputy Director of Sports, National Sports Commission (NSC), and even acting as the Commission's Director General from February 1981 to May 1982.
As the Warri Grand Prix takes center stage, it serves as a testament to the significant contributions made by African sports icons like Dr. Awoture Eleyae. This event not only showcases the immense talent within the region but also reinforces the importance of nurturing young athletes towards attaining their full potential.
Source of content: OOO News 2023-07-27 News
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