The second vice-president of Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Akuchukwu Aghazu is beaming with delight after seeing a stunning performance by five runners in the women’s 5,000m race at the ongoing track and field trials in Lagos.
Sports247 reports that the AFN’s top official reeled out superlative form the five women’s 5,000m runners, as they all achieved qualifying standard for the first Ben Aghazu Excellence In Athletics Prize that she is sponsoring at the trials.
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Aghazu praised them for what she described as huge efforts towards the impressive performances, as Vivian Obadiah of Delta State led the field and crossed the finish line in a personal best of 17:24.85 to claim victory in a tightly contested race.
Close behind was Mary Jah Bulus of D-MSF, who also recorded a personal best of 17:26.28 to finish second, while Aminat Adenike Alabi of Osheku Athletics Academy secured third place in another personal-best performance of 17:26.51.
Nvou Gyang Tanko, representing D-MSF, finished fourth, also in a personal best time of 17:26.82, while Arinde Miracle Boluwatife of D’Star Athletics Academy wrapped up the list of qualifiers with a personal-best time of 17:33.07.
While hailing the runners, the AFN vice-president said all the five performances justified her vision for the Ben Aghazu Excellence In Athletics Prize, which was established to motivate athletes towards glory and reward hard work on the track.
She added that the race showcased the growing development of women’s middle-distance running in Nigeria, as all five athletes achieved personal best marks, for which she congratulated them and encouraged them to stay focused on the future.
“I am truly excited by what we witnessed in the women’s 5,000m. Seeing five athletes attain the benchmark, all of them recording personal bests, is a clear indication that our athletes are responding to opportunities created for them.
“The essence of this prize is to inspire athletes to dream bigger, train harder and believe that excellence will always be rewarded. These young women have demonstrated determination, resilience and the hunger to succeed.
“Our goal is to continue creating pathways for home-based athletes to develop and compete at the highest level. The future of Nigerian distance running is bright, and we are committed to supporting these athletes to greater achievements.
“This is only the beginning. I congratulate all the qualifiers and urge them to remain disciplined and dedicated. We want to see them progress from national prospects to continental and global contenders,” Aghazu reiterated.
, Akuchukwu Aghazu is beaming with delight after seeing a stunning performance by five runners in the women’s 5,000m race at the ongoing track and field trials in Lagos.){kind=link}