Okagbare, Asumnu Renew Rivalry In Calabar

Calabar will witness the foray and influx of Nigeria's top athletes on Thursday June 19 as the state hosts the 68th edition of the All Nigeria Athletics Championship.

The event is sponsored by the state government and will bring the best track runners and jumpers in the Nigeria sphere against each other for the championship.

Nigeria and African queen of tracks and long Jump, Blessing Okagbare will grace the event with the expectation of becoming the second woman only after Mary Onyali to win the 100th metre title six times in a row.

The Delta state born athlete won a double title in the last edition of the same competition last year when she won the Sprint and the Long Jump medals.

The All Nigeria Athletics Championship event which also serves as qualification meet for the 2014 Commonwealth games and the Marakech African Athletics Championship will also have the number-one shot put thrower in Africa Chinwe Okoro competing for a place in the Commonwealth and Africa Championship.

Okagbare will have to face a stiff competition in the defence of her title against Gloria Asumnu; Triple jumper Tosin Oke is also expected to be in the event.

Sports loving governor of the state, Liyel Imoke has ensured that all is in top gear for the championship, hosting the event for fourth year straight now, the state is poised to host another excellent edition and also want to use the opportunity to test facilities for the forthcoming National Sports Festival which the state is also hosting.