The Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Yusuf Alli, has declared that the state is ready for the forthcoming National Athletics Trials to hold between June 21 and 23.
Alli, an Olympian said the national trials would be staged smoothly by the state.
He noted that the world-class facilities at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium were good enough for any competition on short notice.
“Edo staged the National Sports Festival in style last year and this year, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium has hosted many other national events,” the former African long jump champion said.
“We are indeed proud of what we have at the stadium and it is also a thing of pride to host the top athletes of the country trying to win tickets for big global tournaments.
“Edo is ready and the enabling environment is guaranteed for the athletes to excel in their various disciplines at the trials.”
Only last week, the Athletic Federation of Nigeria confirmed Benin City as host of the National Trials which will be used to pick athletes that will represent Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the World Championship billed for Oregon, USA.
Already six African Champions have been confirmed to be in Benin for the big event including African Games and African Championship gold medalist, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi.
Also on the list is Raymond Ekevwo who won the 100m gold at the African Games in 2019 in Rabat.
World and Commonwealth Games medallist and reigning African Games long jump queen, Ese Brume, will also be at the National Trials together with 100m hurdles champion, Tobi Amusan.
Oyesade Olatoye, who won the shot put gold recently in Mauritius is also on the cards for the National Trials.