Edo Upbeat Ahead of 22nd Commonwealth Games Trials in Benin City

Adibe Emenyonu

Twenty-four hours to the much-anticipated trials for the 22nd Commonwealth Games and the Athletics World Championships scheduled for the prestigious Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, the Edo State Government has declared its readiness to make the event one of the best in recent times.

Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt Hon. Philip Shaibu yesterday restated the readiness and commitment of the government and people of the state to showcase the  world-class facilities and equipment for the success of the competition.

“The Government and good People of Edo State, the heartbeat of Nigeria, are profoundly delighted to welcome athletes and officials  to the Commonwealth and World Athletics Championships Trials being hosted by Edo State.

“For us, this event billed to last for three days between 24th  and 26th of June,2022in the ancient city of Benin is very historic, as Edo is hosting the trials for the first time in the history of the competition,” observed the deputy governor.

Similarly speaking on the readiness of the state to host the trials, Chairman of Edo Sports Commission, Yusuf Alli, expressed his joy over the state government’s readiness and support for hosting sporting events in the state.

“I am so excited with the level of support we are getting from His Excellency,  Godwin Obaseki. The state government’s interest in sports is second to none.

“For instance, the govt has given us the full assurance of hosting the Commonwealth trials in a manner that has not been witnessed in Nigeria, this gives me joy.

“One thing I can assure you is that the athletes, the officials and the journalists will have a memorable time in Benin. Everything from decent accommodation to security and transportation is being put in place.

“This is coupled with first-class facilities at the Ogbe Stadium.  On behalf of the state government and the people of Edo State, I want to welcome the athletics family to Benin. 

“I also want to use this opportunity to invite athletics fans wherever they are to troop out to cheer the best of Nigerian athletes who are reading to make Nigeria proud during the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham,  United Kingdom as well as the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, USA,” observed Alli, a former Team Nigeria Captain.

Athletes and officials have started arriving in Benin City ahead of the trials starting on Friday, June 24th.

The Open/Closed trial will see over 480 athletes compete for slots in Birmingham and about 111 officials for the trials.