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Preview of the 2023 Nigeria Athletics Trials in Benin, featuring Tobi Amusan, Ese Brume, Favour Ashe, etc.
Nigeria's best athletes are set to battle it out at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin from July 5th -7th for the Nigeria Athletics Trials.
The trials, also known as the National Championships, is organised by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to crown new national champions and select the team that will don the country's colours at the World Championships in Budapest.
Top on the list is World Record (WR) holder Tobi Amusan, who will be racing on home soil for the first time since setting the women's 100m Hurdles WR of 12.12s and winning the world title in Oregon.
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Amusan will be gunning for a new Season's Best (SB) as she races to defend her national title for the fourth consecutive year.
Standout college athletes Adaobi Tamugbo and Miracle Thompson, while home-based Stella Ayanleke, will be aiming for new lifetime bests and podium finishes.
The men's 100m is a highly anticipated event that will have the presence of defending champion Favour Ashe, who has already hit the World Championships qualifying standard of 10.00s.
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However, he'll have Alaba Akintola on his toes looking for revenge, with a win this time around and also aiming for the standard.
Usheoritse Itsekiri and Seye Ogunlewe, also have what it takes to win the title but majorly chasing the standard, while Enoch Adegoke and home-based Sunday Akintan, won't be push-overs for a famous victory.
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15:29 - 29.05.2023
Itsekiri equals PB of 10.02s, puts himself back in the debate of Nigeria's top sprinters
Usheoritse Itsekiri ran his fastest time since 2019, putting himself back in the debate of Nigeria's best sprinters this season.
In the absence of Grace Nwokocha, Tima Godbless, and perhaps Favour Ofili, Rosemary Chukwuma is the overwhelming favorite for the women's 100m title.
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Youngsters such as Faith Okwose and Tiana Eyakpobeyan will be hoping to cause a rare upset and secure their first senior national call-up in the 4x100m relay team to Budapest.
The men's 400m is another highly anticipated event, having the presence of NCAA standout athlete Dubem Nwachukwu.
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He has already punched his ticket to Budapest, but his targets will be winning his first Nigerian title and helping the 4x400m relay team hit the standard.
Also in the mix to win his first senior title is new sensation Samuel Ogazi, who's undefeated on home soil this season. Ifeanyi Ojeli has found his groove back, Raphael Egbuchilem and Samson Nathaniel are top podium contenders as well.
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08:45 - 28.05.2023
Incredible Samuel Ogazi blazes to sub-46s at AFN Golden League in Abuja
From running 47.48s in his first race of the year to going sub-46s at the AFN Golden League in just two months, Samuel Ogazi is definitely here to stay.
Veteran Patience Okon is another overwhelming favourite in the women's 400m if the NCAA's duo of Imaobong Uko and Ella Onojuvwevwo fail to make it to Benin.
Field Events
World silver medallist Ese Brume is in Benin and the outright favourite, but this time she will have a mouthwatering clash with Ruth Usoro, who is at her best this season.
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If Usoro defeats Brume, it'll be one of the biggest upsets at the trials.
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23:58 - 21.05.2023
Ruth Usoro obliterates PB, soars to the fifth-best jump in the world in Bermuda
Ruth Usoro smashed her long jump Personal Best to finish an impressive third at the Bermuda Grand Prix.
In the women's Discus throw, defending champion Chioma Onyekwere, NCAA silver medallist Ashley Anumba, and NSF champion Obiageri Amaechi are capable of being crowned the winner in Benin.
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Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the men's shot put, and Nnamdi Chinecherem in the men's javelin throw (if present), will be unchallenged for the title in their events.
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