AFN Slates Warri For 2015 Athletics TrialS, Cross River Yet To Show Interest—AFN Scribe

From: Diana Okon-Effiong, Calabar

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has shifted the hosting of the 2015 National Athletics trials to Warri, Delta, as Cross River failed to sponsor the 69th edition of the trial.

This was disclosed Monday by Bamiduro Olumide, the Secretary-General, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), in a telephone interview.

Our correspondent reports that the Cross River Government has sponsored four editions of the trial at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar having signed a 5-year sponsorship deal with the AFN.

According to Olumide the AFN has to make an alternative arrangement so as not to be caught napping since the event is an important fixture in the national athletics calendar.

The 2015 edition of the CRS/AFN trials was billed for July 30 through August 1 in Calabar. 

The AFN scribe said: “It appears the sponsorship this year is gloomy. We have not heard anything from them unlike the situation from previous four editions.They (Cross River Government) usually reach out to us at least one month to the event.We have a sponsorship agreement with them.

“We have written to them and even sent some representatives but we are yet to hear from them. If they are not doing so this year it means the state government has reneged. Maybe the new government’s main focus is not sports.

“We are also aware that the state government is not well disposed to do the 2015 edition of the Obudu International Mountain Race. They may have their reasons but that is rather unfortunate. However, we still thank for the sponsorship so far because it is not easy. In the interim we are looking elsewhere the 69th edition of the trials.

He said the trials would hold this weekend because it is part of Nigeria’s trials for the World Championship in Beijing and All African Games.

“Because of the importance of this events to AFN and athletes in our athletics calendar we must host it this weekend. All our foreign-based athletes have arrived to fight for shirts and qualification. That is why we are looking to host the event in Warri, Delta State. We have informed the National Sports Commission (NSC) about the development.