Nigeria/ExxonMobil championships get July date

The Nigeria/Exxonmobil track and field championships has now been fixed for July 23th to 25th at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.

The newly inaugurated board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) also fixed June 26th for the Ladi Lawal Athletics Classics to be held at the University of Lagos Sports Complex, and July 11th for the Nkoyo Ibori Classics at the Oghara Township Stadium in Warri, Delta State.

The AFN board also confirm the appointment of former Nigerian heptathlon champion Patience Itanyi as the AFN liaison officer in the United States of America and journalist Duro Ikhazuagbe of THISDAY newspapers as the new media officer.

Abuja Grand Prix

Meanwhile, AFN's honorary president, Benue Governor Gabriel Suswan has been appointed to head a  ten-man committee with the mandate to source for sponsorship and organise the earlier postponed Abuja Grand Prix meet now rescheduled for July 17 at the Abuja national stadium.

President Solomon Ogba told reporters the task force "is expected to organise the best ever race to ensure that Nigeria gets put on the IAAF calendar."

Other members of the task force include: Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Gusau (vice chairman), Dr Godfrey Ogu, Navy Captain Omatseye Nesiama, Rosa Collins, Mr Deji Tinubu, Victor Onogagamue, Sunday Bada, Patience Itanyi, former national triple jump record holder, Rosa Colins, Navy Capt Omatseye Netiama and AFN secretary-general Maria Wophil.

The Abuja Grand Prix meet was earlier scheduled for May 5, but was postponed as the out- going AFN Board was not in position to pursue it