The second African athletics masters is set to begin with over 150 athletics oldies from Nigeria and Cameroon waiting to relive memories at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos this is just as organisers are banking on the ‘die hard’ Nigeria spirit to make things work.

According to Gloria Obajimi who is chairperson of the organsing committee, despite appeals sent to government and private concerns, the championships billed for December 6-7 has been cash strapped to the extent that the venue has not been secured. However she was hopeful that the competition will go on as scheduled.

“Things are very tight at the moment, but we are confident that we will pull it off. Over 150 Nigerian and Cameroon masters are on ground and we expect a very healthy competition.

“We are also expecting 76 year-old Benedict Majekodumi who participated in the Commonwealth Games 1974 in Christchurch, New Zealand ,” said the former National 800m champion.

The Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University Abdulahi Mustapha and his Deputy has also registered.

The Vice President of World Masters Athletics Mr Serge Beckers is already in Nigeria for the Championship while the President of African Masters Athletics Leonie Paulette Etong is being expected.

World Masters Association vice president, Sergi Beckers urged the people and government of Nigeria to support the old timers in the face of lean resources been experienced by the organizing committee.

Mr. Becker flew into Lagos yesterday to witness the African Masters, which was originally scheduled for June, but because of dwindling patronage by government and private concerns it was shifted to December 6-7.