The chairman of Delta State Athletics Association, Chief Malik Itiako Ikpokpo has issued a bold prediction that young athletes will spring surprises at Nigeria’s track and field trials this weekend at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos.
Sports247 reports that Ikpokpo pointed out that all it takes is for young athletes to storm the venue with enough courage and determination, which would help them upstage the elite stars in all events.
While sticking his neck out for young talents and home-based athletes to pull off shocks in the various events, Ikpokpo added that seeing new stars emerge would be a big boost for Nigeria’s aspirations.
He noted that the focus for now is on getting spots in the contingent to the 2026 Commonwealth Games, but reasoned further that new stars would be able to fly the country’s flag higher for more years to come.
Ikpokpo further charged home-based athletes to remain confident and fearless in their pursuit of success, while also urging them to believe in their abilities, since an event’s venue does not determine performances.
The chief executive officer of Dunamics Icon and organiser of Niger Delta Games reiterated strong optimism about the prospects of young athletes at the trials, noting that emerging talents can spring major surprises on any terrain.
“Tracks are the same everywhere. What matters most is your confidence, preparation and determination to perform at your best. That’s why I strongly believe a young athlete can pull a surprise in Lagos.
“We saw so many talented youngsters during the Niger Delta Games and, in a competition like this, one breakthrough performance can change everything,” Ikpokpo concluded.
Sports247 gathered further that Ikpokpo has been a major inspiration and motivating force for the regional Niger Delta Games, which has also been instrumental to the production of talents for the country’s international track and field aspirations.
Many stakeholders continue praising the competition for being a regular avenue in the production of promising talents who are gradually shaping the future of Nigerian athletics.
