By Modupe Oremule
Lagos, March 27, 2019 (NAN) Following three of its junior athletes selection for the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U-18 and U-20 Championships, Bambo Akani, the founder of Making of Champions (MoC) athletics Club says the future is bright for Nigeria in the sport.
The CAA U-18 and U-20 championships is scheduled for April 16 to April 20 in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
Akani told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Southwest of Nigeria that the management of the club was excited as only two of its athletes had represented the country since its establishment in 2012.
« Only two of our athletes have represented Nigeria to date, so having three listed for the Nigeria’s U-20 team is historic for us and calls for celebration.
« The future is very bright for MoC’s junior athletes as well as senior athletes. Now, three of them have made Nigeria’s African U-20 Championships team.
« I won’t be surprised if by next year a few more of them also make the World U-20 Championships team. We are hopeful of their progress, » he said.
NAN reports that the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) on March 25 released the names of 86 athletes in the U-18 and U-20 categories to represent the country at the continental competition.
Akani said that he was optimistic that more MoC athletes would join the senior national team before the year ended.
« I think that there’s no doubt that MoC athletes should feature in future selections for Nigeria. We believe that for all the hard work they are putting in, the only way is up.
« Hopefully, before the year runs out two or three MoC athletes should make Nigeria’s Senior team to the African Games and World Championships, » he said.
He also said that he was hopeful that the three athletes to the continental championships in April would win medals at their debut for Nigeria.
« We’re definitely expecting big things in the future from all of our athletes. For the three, who have made Nigeria’s U-20 team going to Abidjan.
« I have no doubt we could be celebrating each of them coming home with medals in their first competition for Nigeria, » he said.
The names of the MoC’s athletes are Favour Ekpekpo, Blessing Oladoye who joined the club in less than 18 months and Bowofoluwa Egbeyemi, who is currently at the University of Ibadan.
Akani also appreciated all its sponsors who have made the athletes’ education and athletics career worthwhile.
He wished the AFN and all the athletes selected all the best at the outing as they prepare to do the nation proud in Abidjan.
NAN reports that the club which was established due to Nigeria’s athletics dismal performance at the 2012 London Olympics recently signed 16 new athletes in Lagos. (NAN)
