In honor of the late Dr. Awoture Eleyae, former Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Sports In Africa (SCSA), the Warri Grand Prix is set to take place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.
The event has attracted the participation of two African countries, The Gambia and Benin Republic, who arrived yesterday in anticipation of the competition tomorrow.
Dr. Awoture Eleyae, who passed away in Benin City last Thursday, is being remembered for his significant contributions to Nigerian sports through his pet project, the Awoture Eleyae’s U-14, U-15, and U-17 Championships.
This initiative has been instrumental in discovering and nurturing numerous young talents, including renowned athletes such as Divine Oduduru, Favour Ofili, and Ese Brume, during the period of 2013 and 2014.
The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tonobok Okowa, expressed his hopes that the Warri Grand Prix will offer Nigeria’s 4x100m relay team another opportunity to qualify for the Budapest 2023 World Championship.
The event is a three-in-one affair, featuring competitions in the 4x100m, 4x400m, and mixed relays, with participation from several African countries.
The Delta State Sports Commission has already taken the initiative to involve secondary schools from the three senatorial districts, instructing them to produce three teams each to compete in the various relay events.
The Nigerian 4x100m relay team faced disappointment in their quest for qualification in Cotonou, Benin Republic, last Saturday, due to a mishap during their baton exchange.
Despite their previous attempts in Lome, Togo, Yaba Tech in Lagos, and Cotonou, Okowa remains optimistic that the team possesses the necessary skills and determination to secure the ticket to Budapest during the Asaba event.
“We have qualified in three relay events already, the women’s 4x100m, 4x400m, and the mixed relay,” stated Okowa. “It will be good if our men’s 4x100m team joins them tomorrow in Asaba.”
The late Dr. Awoture Eleyae held a prominent position in Nigerian sports administration, leading the SCSA from 1992 to 2004. His impact was felt not only within Nigeria but also internationally, as he was a member of numerous professional bodies.
Moreover, Dr. Eleyae played a pivotal role in the early stages of Nigerian sports development, captaining the Nigerian Basketball team during the inaugural All Africa Games in 1965.
Additionally, he was responsible for designing the Nigerian Institute for Sports (NIS) and served as its first principal from 1975 to 1984.
His dedication and expertise also led him to hold significant positions such as Deputy Director of Sports at the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Acting Director General of the Commission from February 1981 to May 1982.
As the Warri Grand Prix approaches, athletes, officials, and fans alike are eager to witness exceptional performances and competitive spirit.
The event not only celebrates the memory of a revered sports administrator but also presents an opportunity for Nigerian athletes to showcase their prowess and secure their place in the prestigious Budapest 2023 World Championship.
The stage is set for a remarkable display of talent and determination as Asaba gears up for this exciting sporting spectacle.
