Nigeria’s impressive and highly promising array of home-based athletes will be motivated to chase an initial package of N3m and other cash prizes for top performers at the national trials this weekend in Lagos.
READ ALSO: Yaba College Of Technology Comes Alive; As Competititors, Officials, Fans, Traders Troop In For Nigeria’s Athletics Trials
Sports247 reports that the introduction of prize money for outstanding home-based athletes and coaches is a major talking point regarding motivation during the three-day competition at Yaba College of Technology.
This is happening for the first time after many years in the history of the trials and other competitions organised by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), which is now opening a new vista in their search for new athletes.
Apart from the desire and aspiration for slots in Nigeria’s track and field contingent to this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, home-grown athletes now have an opportunity to earn financial rewards as well.
This is coming through the introduction of what has been tagged ‘Excellence in Athletics Prize’ initiative, which AFN’s top brass said is designed to encourage hidden talents, recognise new discoveries and reward exceptional performances.
Towards achieving those ends, more than ₦3m has been earmarked for the maiden reel of cash awards, which are majorly sponsored by AFN’s second vice-president, Aku Aghazu, in memory of her late father, Ben Aghazu.
A press release by AFN’s media committee chairman, Maxwell Kumoye added, “The initiative is expected to provide additional motivation for athletes and coaches, while reinforcing the federation’s commitment to developing and rewarding talent within the country.
“This initiative is enjoying wide spread support base, from former athletes like Gbolahan Fatuga and athletics stakeholders that include Mr. Kunle Oguneye who is rewarding the winner of the women’s 200m and 400m. A plan to increase the prize money for the next major national championship has also reached an advance stage.
“With Olympic and World Championship stars, NCAA champions, African record holders and emerging talents all expected in Lagos, the Commonwealth Games Trials promise three days of elite competition and unforgettable performances as Nigeria’s athletes battle for the right to represent the nation in Glasgow.”
