AFN, athletes praise sponsor, Edo State for success of Budapest 2023 national trials

President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tonobok Okowa

Athletes and officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) have commended Edo State government and lead sponsor, Premium Trust Bank, for the success of the 2023 World Athletics Championship National  Trials, which ended in Benin City, on Friday.   The AFN’s National Trials to select athletes for Budapest 2023 World Championships took place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, from July 5 to 7, with over 450 athletes, including world champion Tobi Amusan, Silver Medalist, Ese Brume and other foreign-based stars.   AFN President, Tonobok Okowa told The Guardian that he was satisfied with the role played by Edo State Government and their Lead Sponsor, Premium Trust Bank.

“I want other states to emulate Edo State,” Okowa said. “We choice Benin City for this National events because the infrastructure is solid. Edo State has been supporting the AFN with funding, accommodation and feeding to ensure a successful hosting of the event. I thank Governor Godwin Obaseki, his Deputy Rt Hon Philip Shaibu, and Chairman of Edo Sports Commission, Yusuf Alli for the support.   “I am also grateful to our sponsor, Premium Trust Bank for believing in the AFN,” Okowa stated.   Some of the athletes, who spoke with The Guardian, also praised Premium Trust Bank for the synergy and partnership with the AFN since it’s sponsorship of the 2022 National Sports Festival held in Asaba.   Apart from the partnership with AFN, Premium Trust Bank also sponsor other major sporting events in the country, including the Abuja marathon, which will hold in October this year.     It will be recalled that shortly after last World Athletics Championship in Oregon, United States,