Sports
Qualifying For 2020 Tokyo Won’t Make Me Relent – Ekewvo
A student-athlete at the University of Florida, United States, Raymond Ekevwo, yesterday said that his 2020 Olympic qualification would not deter him from being focused and hardworking.
Ekewvo, who ran 10.02 seconds at the South Eastern Conference (SEC) Championships in May, told newsmen on telephone that he needed to work harder to ensure he became a world-class athlete.
The qualification standard for the 100m men and women are 10.05 seconds and 11.15 seconds respectively.
“The key thing for me is to continue to be focused and hardworking, that has always been a major part of my life.
“I know that I have to work 10 times harder than most people out there to become a world-class athlete,’’ he said.
Tidesports source reports that the South Eastern Conference includes universities across the South and Mid-South in the 11 states that span from South Carolina to Texas.
The Criminology major student said that he was grateful for his qualification, as it was every athlete’s dream to participate in the Olympics.
“It’s every athlete’s dream to go to the Olympics, so, I am grateful and excited about the qualification.
“Nothing is going to change for me though, I will keep doing what I have always been doing, live life and try to stay in shape,’’ he said.
Ekevwo, a 2016 Nigerian 100m junior champion, said that it was both interesting and tough being a student-athlete, saying that he was grateful to the school for trying to make things easier.
“Being a student-athlete is interesting but it’s tough. The University of Florida provides a platform to ensure that student-athletes get organised and stay organised,’’ he said.
Reacting to where he sees himself in the next five years, he said, “I don’t know where I see myself; the future will speak for itself. I’m just focused on what’s in front of me right now.”
Also reacting to his success in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships, he said that he tried to stay healthy and trust the system.
“I tried to stay healthy and trusted my coach the whole season. I did not really have any target in mind because I knew that if I am healthy, I will be able to pull some strings,” he said.
The match, which ended 2-2 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Saturday, March 28, was marred by a series of serious breaches. According to the NPFL, Bendel Insurance failed to provide adequate matchday security, which allowed unauthorised individuals to gain access to restricted areas within the stadium.
The situation deteriorated further after the final whistle. Supporters of the Benin-based club were found guilty of unsporting behaviour, and match officials were reportedly held hostage for 40 minutes in the aftermath of the game, a development the league described as a direct violation of football governance and safety standards.
Boboye was found guilty of gross misconduct towards a match official, an act deemed to be in breach of the league’s regulations on discipline and fair play.
In addition to the coach’s personal sanction, Bendel Insurance were fined five million naira for the various breaches, with the club also ordered to play their next three home matches behind closed doors.
The NPFL said the penalties reflected its commitment to maintaining order, professionalism and respect for match officials, particularly in high-pressure situations.
The suspension represents a significant blow to Bendel Insurance at a critical stage of the season, leaving the technical crew to manage upcoming fixtures without Boboye’s direct influence on the touchline. The closed-door order will also deprive the club of home support at the Ogbemudia Stadium, affecting both atmosphere and the financial returns from those matches.
Bendel Insurance retain the right to appeal the ruling through the appropriate NPFL disciplinary channels
According to reports, the accident happened while the club was travelling to Lagos for a Nigeria National League (NNL) fixture.
The club confirmed that the team bus lost control and tumbled near Asaba during the journey.
In a statement, Calabar Rovers said that the accident left several players, officials, and staff injured, with one player in critical condition receiving intensive medical care.
The club described the situation as “a painful moment,” adding that the injured are receiving the best possible treatment and support.
It stated that the welfare of the players remains its top priority during the period.
The club said it appreciates the prayers and urged fans to continue to keep the injured players in their thoughts.
The team was travelling for an away fixture against Sporting Lagos, which incidentally, had already been postponed indefinitely by the NNLboard due to the unavailability of the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
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