PRESIDENT of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Solomon Ogba, has explained why the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) is naming the Nigeria Grand Prix after the former Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa, Dr. Awoture Eleyae.The 2012 Warri Relay and CAA Athletics Grand Prix will hold tomorrow at the Warri Township Stadium in Warri, Delta State, with about 61 international athletes from over 20 countries taking part.Speaking with The Guardian yesterday, Ogba said that Eleyae's contribution to the growth of athletics in Africa and the world prompted CAA to name the grand prix after him. He stated that a formal ceremony for the naming would be performed tomorrow in Warri.Eleyae, a former director of sports in the defunct Bendel State, is a well-balanced individual with superior athletic and academic qualities. A pioneer student of the defunct Nigerian College of Arts and Science, Zaria, in 1957, Eleyae rose to the pinnacle of his athletics career after representing the then Northern Nigeria in many national sporting events.The Isoko-born ex-athlete later led Nigerian teams to several international competitions, including the Dakar Friendship Games in 1963 and the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games.As an administrator, Eleyae trained numerous Nigerian international athletes, including David Ejoke, Sam Igun, Emilia Okolie, Eddie Jeyfous, Jimmy Omagbemi, George Ogan, Clarice Ahanotu, Christian Ohiri, Seigha Porbeni, Charlton Ehizuelen, Harrison Salami, Bruce Ijirigho, as well as Aboyade Cole and Godwin ObasogieIt is to his credit that he discovered and developed remarkable athletes, including high-flying Modupe Oshikoya and Ashanti Obi. Meanwhile, 61 entries have been received from over 20 countries to participate at this year's Warri Relay and CAA Athletics Grand Prix holding in Warri tomorrow.The athletes are coming from countries like the United States, Jamaica, Bahamas, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent, Egypt, Cameroun, Botswana, Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Ethiopia, Liberia and Uganda.According to the co-ordinator of the meet and former international, Yusuf Alli, most of the athletes have started arriving in Nigeria, with the last batch scheduled to come into town today.Among the athletes expected to give Nigeria's contingent a good fight is Ghana's Vida Anim. The former African women sprint champion is hoping to return to relevance again after a spate of injuries slowed her progression.Also, Camerounian Delphine Atangana is expected to compete in the 100 metres alongside Lakadrin Ivey (U.S.), Lahsawandra Ratcitt (U.S.) and Tameka Williams of St. Kitts. Nigerian female sprinters like Lauretta Ozoh, Agnes Osazuwa and Endurance Abinuwa are all in town from the U.S. to compete at the meet.Only top runners like Blessing Okagbare, Gloria Asumnu and Damola Osayomi, who have races abroad this same weekend, may not make it to Warri. In the male category, all the top sprinters and quarter milers from Nigeria's training camp in Atlanta have confirmed for the race.Among the foreign athletes expected to burn the track in Warri tomorrow are Jamaican speed star, Christopher Williams, St. Kitts & Nevi's Antoine Adams, American female sprinter, Lakadrin Ivey,and Cache Armbristerofthe Bahamas.
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