The Delta State capital city, Asaba, is brimming with a new life and excitement as the countdown to the 21st African Athletics Championships, enters its home stretch with the opening of the Stephen Keshi Stadium venue of the African athletics show piece billed for August 1-5.
The commissioning will be preceded with the Africa tour an event that will see elite athletes from Nigerian, Ghana, Botswana, South Africa, Kenya, Gambia, Mauritius and others compete to test run the facilities.
Work on the Stadium named after one of Nigeria’s renowned soccer legend, Late Stephen Keshi was started during the tenure of governor James Ibori, but progress was stalled until two years ago, when Delta State accepted to host the African Championships, saving Nigerian an embarrassment. Lagos State the original host was foot-dragging.
Governor Okowa mobilised local contractors, and with the assistance of Chinese expatriates, work moved on a rapid pace leading to today’s opening event.
The Chairman of the CAA Asaba 2018 LOC, Chief Solomon Ogba expressed gratitude to everyone that has helped made the Delta State and Nigeria dream a reality. Ogba thanked the laborers, cleaners, artisans, and others who worked tirelessly to help put up a structure which not only met the deadline set but will surely remain as a legacy for several years down the line.
After nearly two decades of endless wait, the city of Asaba was buzzing on Wednesday as a new chapter was opened in the history of sports in Delta State and Nigeria as whole as the newly built Stephen Keshi stadium hosted its first meet, the Africa tour event.
The historic day started with a short prayer led by clergymen from the Government House Chapel.Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was represented by his deputy Kingsley Otuaro, who was ushered into the stadium by the chairman of the Local Organising Committee for CAA Asaba 2018, Chief Solomon Ogba and the Executive Chairman of the Delta State Sports Council, Tony Okowa.
Deltans came out in their hundreds to witness history from the young to the old, men, women from different walks of life as well as traditional rulers were all present to add glamour to yesterday’s Africa tour meet.Aside the action on the tracks, it was a day of glamour as the rich culture of Delta was on display to serve a glimpse of what to expect during the African Championships proper.
The governor expressed delight that the Stephen Keshi stadium became a reality in his tenure; adding that it is a delight to have fulfilled one of his campaign promises to the people of Delta.On his part, CAA Asaba 2018, LOC chairman, Ogba said he was proud to be part of history, while also thanking all that worked tirelessly to make the Stephen Keshi Stadium a reality.
Meanwhile, the stadium was promptly used as a test run for upcoming Africa Senior Athletics Championships, Divine Oduduru won the 100m with a time of 10.44s, while the duo of Ogho-Oghene Egwero (10.46) and Enoch Adegoke(10.52) settled for second and third place respectively.
After her heroics performance at the Commonwealth Games, Joy Udo Gabriel continued her fine run, winning the women’s 100m event ahead of Matthew
Ubong and Blessing Ogundinmu.In the men’s 400m, old war horse, Isa Salihu was the top man with a time of 46.70s, while the duo of Orukpe Erayoikan and Achimaya Daniel finished second and third respectively.
In women’s one lap race, Patience Okon was the top athlete wining with a time of 51.49sYussuf Alli, the Technical Director for CAA Asaba 2018 said he was delighted with the test event though he admitted that one or two areas would be improved upon.”I can rate the Africa tour test event at 80%, we will correct the few mistakes we saw but all said and done, we are ready to host Africa in August” Alli assured.The 21st African senior Athletics Championships will take place from August 1 to 5 at the Stephen Keshi stadium.
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