Former 200m junior champion, Divine Oduduru continued his fine form at the one day African Tour on Wednesday in Asaba. The NCAA record holder won the 100m with a time of 10.44s.
The duo of Ogho-Oghene Egwero (10.46) and Enoch Adegoke (10.52) settled for second and third respectively.
After her heroics at the Commonwealth Games, Joy Udo-Gabriel also continued her fine run winning the women’s 100m event ahead of Matthew Ubong and Blessing Ogundinmu.
The Africa tour event was used as a test run for upcoming Africa Senior Athletics Championships in the newly built Stephen Keshi stadium.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was represented by his deputy Kingsley Otuaro who was ushered into the stadium by the chairman of the Local Organising Committee for CAA Asaba 2018, Chief Solomon Ogba and the Executive Chairman of the Delta State Sports Council, Tony Okowa.
Aside the action on the tracks, it was a day of glamour as the rich culture of Delta was on display to serve a glimpse of what to expect during the African Championships proper.
The governor expressed delight that the Stephen Keshi stadium became a reality in his tenure; adding that it is a delight to have fulfilled one of his campaign promises to the people of Delta.
On his part, CAA Asaba 2018, LOC chairman Solomon Ogba said he was proud to be part of history while also thanking all that worked tirelessly to make the Stephen Keshi Stadium a reality.
In the men’s 400m, old war horse Isa Salihu was the top man with a time of 46.70s while the duo of Orukpe Erayoikan and Achimaya Daniel finished second and third respectively.
In women’s one lap race, Patience Okon-George was the top athlete winning with a time of 51.49s.
Yussuf Alli, the Technical Director for CAA Asaba 2018 said he was delighted with the test event though he admitted that one or two areas will be improved upon.
“I can rate the Africa tour test event at 80%, we will correct the few mistakes we saw but all said and done we are ready to host Africa in August,” Alli assured.
The 21st African senior Athletics Championships will be taking place August 1-5 at the Stephen Keshi stadium.
