‘Asaba Stadium Will Produce Best Athletes For Africa’

The Director General, Delta State Sports Commission, Mr. Victor Onogagamue, Chairman, Delta State Sports Commission, Chief Tonobok Okowa and the President, Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Hon. Ibrahim Shehu Gusau during the inspection of the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba for the hosting of the forth coming 2018 Africa Senior Athletics Championship yesterday

• Technical officials inspect complex ahead 2018 Championship

After inspecting Asaba Stadium yesterday, the chairman Technical subcommittee for the Asaba 2018 CAA African Senior Athletics Championships, former jumper, Yussuf Alli commended the pace of work at the complex meant to host Africa’s flagship athletics event in August 2018.

Alli said he was very impressed with the pace of work, adding that he would have loved to roll back the years to compete as the facility will indeed aid better performances by the athletes.

Speaking with The Guardian shortly after the inspection yesterday, Head of Media and Publicity for Asaba 2018, Olukayode Thomas, quoted Alli as saying: “I am very impressed with what the Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Chief Tony Okowa is putting up here. If only I could roll back the years, it will be nice to also compete. I know the athletes will run faster times on this track and jump further in Asaba.”

Among other innovations, Alli commended Okowa’s vision as the state is putting up the first 100m both ways track in Nigeria.

“The plan for the Asaba stadium is a masterpiece. We are having the first 100m both ways track in Nigeria. It is first of its kind and the stadium is also being built in such a way that the crowd will be close to the action. Such electrifying atmosphere always brings out the best in athletes,” Alli noted.

For the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon and also the General Manager for the All African Games; Abuja 2003 edition, said he is sure that Asaba will be the benchmark for future athletics event on the continent.

The former African Long jump record holder also thanked the state Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for supporting the championships and backing the Chairman of the Commission.

“The Governor by hosting this championship is leaving a huge legacy. And completion of the stadium will be a huge positive socio-economic impact on the state and Nigeria generally. At the rate they are going, I am 110 per cent sure the stadium will be delivered on time,” Alli added.

The 2018 edition of CAA African Athletics Championships also serves as trials for the highly competitive and lucrative 2018 IAAF World Cup in Athletics.

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