New dimension for Okpekpe race
The Coordinator of Annual Okpekpe race Yusuf Alli has said this year’s race will take a new dimension, as Nigerian athletes will have to go through some local races that will fine tune and help prepare them for the race that comes up in May.
Alli, Technical Committee Chairman of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) told Extra Time that Nigerian athletes hoping to be part of the third edition of the annual Okpekpe Road Race will have cause to be happy, as the organisers of the 10km event have assured them of having some local races to prepare them for the competition.
The former Africa long jump champion hinted that some states have agreed to organise local races to help the Nigerian athletes.
“There is need to prepare our athletes well ahead of the competition, so that they can compete favourably with their counterparts from other parts of the world,” Alli stressed.
“Our target is to have at least a Nigerian finishing within the top five, starting from this year. And that is why we are going to be having some road races prior the competition in May.”
Alli also stated that the prototype for the start and finishing line is ready.
