Nigeria: AFN Golden League – Five in Hunt for Jackpot

Daily Independent (Lagos)

1 June 2011

The fourth leg of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria Golden League slated for this weekend in Lagos will further determine athletes who are going to share the N2m jackpot prize as only five are now left in contention.

Already, this leg promises to be full of fireworks as most of the athletes in contention have promised not to let any slip up at the event scheduled to hold at the Sports Complex of Yaba Colleague of Technology.

And topmost in the list of those in contention is 100m champion in the first three legs, Ogho Oghene Egwero. Others are Baba Ibrahim (Men’s Hammer), Shola Anota (Men Long Jump), Justin Agu (Men’s 800m) and NSCDC 4x100m women team.

Sunday Bada, the AFN Technical Director said on Tuesday that he was impressed with the introduction of prize money and the jackpot which has revived serious interest in the sport.

“We are really grateful to our sponsors. It has not been easy but we are happy that we are getting responses now. At least, you can see the interests our athletes are now showing towards the Golden League. I can bet you that by the time we get more sponsors and bigger prize monies at stake, this League will become the reference point in this part of the world in just a matter of time,” he said.

At the third leg held at penultimate weekend in Abuja, Egwero further lowered the 100m time to claim his third consecutive victory.

He posted a 10.26 to stay in contention for a share in the jackpot prize. Obinna Metu (10.45) of the Nigerian Prison Service club was second while Nigerian Army runner, Benjamin Adukwu (10.50) placed third.

Egwero who struggled with hamstring hours before the event at the Abuja National Stadium hard earlier won his semi final race in 10.31, an improvement over the 10.33 he won the Ado Ekiti leg.

But Agnes Osazuwa (11.53) who competed in the League for the first time easily won the women sprint event leaving Deborah Odeyemi (11.68) of the A-Class club and Goodness Thomas (11.80) of the Police team to pick the second and third places respectively.

The results of the men 400m gladdens the hearts of AFN chiefs where Abiola Onakoya, Segun Ogunkole and Tobi Ogunmola all ran the A- standard under 46 seconds. They posted 45.89, 45.91 and 45.92 respectively.

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