Athletes from Bayelsa State at the ongoing Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Trials in Asaba, Delta State have recorded big wins in the sprints.
In the Junior Boys 100m category, Team Bayelsa athlete, Tejiri Godwin emerged as the champion, holding off Precious Aina to claim the first position in the final with a time of 11.04s (-2.2).
Vanguard reports that Aina settled for 2nd position in 11.09s, while another Bayelsa athlete Michael David emerged 3rd with a time of 11.20s.
Ekowei-born 15-year-old Perezide Sigah, who participated in the youth category
dazzled on the tartan track from her heat up until the final to win the 100m title ahead of the National Youth Games Champion, Lucy Nwankwo in a time of 12.51s.
Nwankwo settled for 2nd place, running a new personal best of 12.66s, while Olatundun Muhammed-Raji came in 3rd, crossing the line in 12.72s.
Opinion Ebitimi Precious won the male with a jump of 7.35 metres in the Long Jump Junior category.
In the 400m Junior, Goodluck Johnbull, powered home to 3rd position in the group A final.
The Vice-Chairman of the Bayelsa State Athletics Association, Dr. Kola Oredipe, who was at the trials in Asaba, told newsmen that Bayelsa State is on a journey to return as the powerhouse of athletics in Nigeria.
He said the investments of the state government in track and field events were beginning to yield results, insisting that “the coaches are working hard to produce more champions after Linda Eseimokumoh, Gloria Kemasuode, Tima Godbless and Victory Godah.
“Look at that 15-year-old, Pere, a young girl, already dazzling on the track. She has so much potential. The Association under the chairmanship of Godwin Oghogho, is getting it right at the moment.
“We are happy with the performance of our athletes in this national trial. We will continue to support the athletes in terms of training and welfare as well as provide more platforms for them to compete.”
