Daily Independent Online.
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Friday, July 02, 2004.
Nkoyo Ibori Games: Delta's Abinuwa sets hurdles record
By Pius Anakali
Senior
Correspondent,
Calabar
Delta State's
Endurance Abinuwa has set a new record in 400-metres hurdles for women by
erasing the old record of 59.22, set by Alimot Ismail of Kwara at the Nkoyo
Ibori sponsored National games held in Lagos state in 2002.
Abinu ran the race
at a time of 58.75 to win the highly prized gold medal in the race that was highly competitive.
Speaking shortly after receiving her medal, the new record holder while
thanking Delta state first lady for the opportunity to better her record said
her success was the result of hard work, dedication and the encouragement of
her coaches.
The power packed
young lady, however disclosed that she still needs the support of all as she
continue to find her rightful place in her area of specialty.
Her new timing
would however be subjected to ratification by officials of the Athletics
Federation of Nigeria, (AFN).
While Delta state
were busy celebrating their success in the ongoing event, the same cannot be
said of Abia, Rivers, Anambra and Plateau States that were disqualified in
4x400m relay and 4x100metres. Former AFN Techical Director, A.bdulkarim Amu who
gave the information accused the states of cheating by trying to bring back
athletes who were disqualified during the screening to compete in those races
"The complaint
was that they tried to field ineligible athletes who were disallowed at the
screening before the tournament".
As a punishment for what he described as an "unholy act", the
states would suffer a reduction by 50% of what they are entitled to in form of
transport claims. He said the organisers would do everything to avoid cheating
from all
participating states, saying it is better to win clean rather than to
win by cheating.
