Mobil Athletics star, Alphonsus, targets upset against Okagbare, others in Warri

As Nigerian athletes from the United States and Europe arrive Warri, Delta State, today for the All Nigerian Open Athletics Championship, one athlete who is planning to steal the show is African rising star, Aniekeme Alphonsus.

The 16-year-old Alphonsus, a product of Mobil Schools Athletics Championship, made Nigeria proud at the last African Junior Athletics Championships in Addis Ababa, where she grabbed one gold, silver and a bronze medal. She also grabbed a gold and silver at the last African U-20 Athletics Championships in Mauritius.

The All Nigeria Open Championship in Warri, which will begin tomorrow and end on Friday, will serve as selection for the World Championship in Beijing and the All African Games in Congo Brazzaville.

Speaking with The Guardian yesterday, Alphonsus, whose Personal Best is 11.68s declared she would do everything possible to grab one of the available tickets in the sprint event, despite the presence of top US-based stars like Blessing Okagbare-Ighoteguonor, Gloria Asumnu and Dominic Duncan.

I am not afraid of competing against the foreign-based athlete, Alphonsus said. This year’s All Nigerian Open is sponsored by Delta State government.

The Manager, Public and Government Affairs, MPN, QIT, Mrs. Regina Udobong, is delighted with the progress made by Alphonsus in her athletics career. “Don’t forget that we have been consistent with this programme for the past 14 years and it has been a success story.

Before now, we have discovered dozens of stars who also made it to the national camp and today, Ifiok Andrew is in the United States furthering his career and receiving quality track and field training,” she said.

The General Manager Public and Government Affairs Mobil Producing Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arinze, said: “We will continue to add value to the community and economy where we operate, especially in education and the empowerment of future generations.”