President of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria,Evangelist Solomon Ogba will flag off the 2nd Okpekpe 10km road race tomorrow in Okpekpe,Edo state.

Disclosing this in Auchi yesterday,the race’s technical manager,Yusuf Ali said Ogba is a fitting choice because of his position as the leader of the athletics family in Nigeria and a lover of sports.

Solomon Ogba

‘There was no hesitation over the choice of chief Ogba,’’said Ali who assured all arrangements for a very successful event have been concluded.

‘We have some of the best personnel on ground to oversee the race and ensure everything complies with the standard set by the International ‘We have one of Nigeria’s most accomplished coaches and former Nigeria middle and long distance runner,Tony Osheku in our team.

He is the Route manager while the only statistician recognised by the ATFS (Association of Track and Field Statistician) in Nigeria,Samuel Fatunla will be the Finish manager while retired Colonel Jaiye Abidoye who was in Nigeria’s Olympic team in 1972 in Munich will be the Start manager,’revealed Ali.

Ali is also confident a new course record will be set tomorrow. Last year, Kenya’s Moses Masai ran 29 minutes, 39 seconds to set the course record enroute his victory.

‘I am confident we can get a sub 28:50seconds run tomorrow in the men’s race to better Massai’s record.’’

Kenya’s Wilson Kiprono Too’s ‘s 27minutes,39 seconds is the fastest time in the world so far this year while another Kenyan,Leonard Patrick Komon holds the world record at 26 minutes,44 seconds