Asaba 2018 Africa Senior Athletics Championships will beat AYAC record, says Ogba

The Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee of the Asaba 2018 Africa Senior Athletics Championships, Solomon Ogba has assured sports fans that the people and government of Delta State will beat its own record set in 2013 when it hosted the inaugural African Youth Athletics Championships (AYAC), which was adjudged by local and international athletics experts as the best ever.

Ogba said over the weekend that Delta was committed to hosting the best African Senior Championships ever, adding, “When we hosted AYAC, it was adjudged the best ever by CAA officials and other athletics buffs. We shall do the same with the Asaba 2018 Championships.

“From football to athletics, Delta State is used to hosting the world and we have competent managers, who have observed and worked at the highest levels of sports organization from the Olympics Games to IAAF World Championships, Commonwealth Games and others. We have capable hands and in Delta, sports is a way of life, our people are passionate about sports.’’

Ogba, who is also the President of the Bobsled & Skeleton Federation of Nigeria, said the LOC would give Team Nigeria all the assistance they need so that Nigeria could host and win.

“Nigeria sits up top in the all time African Senior Athletics Championships medals table and we are not ready to surrender that lead, especially when we are hosting. So all hands will be on deck to ensure that Team Nigeria performs great enough to win. We shall assist the Athletics Federation of Nigeria in preparing athletics for the championships.”

The LOC Chairman also revealed that new members will be inducted into the CAA Hall of Fame in Asaba. “Beyond the championships proper, Asaba 2018 will be a celebration of athletics, as the who is who in athletics worldwide will be in Asaba to celebrate our sports in Delta State,’’ said Ogba.