By OCHEI MATTHEW, Asaba
The president, Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), Hamad Kalkaba Malboum has tendered unreserved apology for the shady and poor preparation put up by Local Organising Committee (LOC) of Asaba 2018 championship holding in Asaba, Delta state.
This followed threat by some participating countries to withdraw from the competition due to poor arrangement and other challenges facing the athletes.
The president who felt disappointed over shady preparation while briefing journalists in Asaba, appealed to the participating countries and their athletes to tolerate and understand the situation on ground.
While apologising over any shortcoming, he said what happened here in Asaba is beyond our control.
Malboum, a Cameroonian thus assured that “from now till the end of the competition, we do everything possible to make it success”
On his part, the former president, Nigeria Athletics Federation and Chairman, LOC, Mr Solomon Ogba accepted the blame, but pleaded for understanding.
“Today all the athletes are here, we have adjusted the program to accommodate all, no one will be shot out.
“Other cities like Lagos turn down the hosting, so i have to talk to the Delta state governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa to bring the competition to Asaba in order not to deny Nigeria the hosting right”, explained Ogba who gave assurance that the competition will end well.
The president of International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) Mr Sebastian Coe who expressed dismay over the development, said ” i am not here just for the ceremony alone but also to check, look and observe some challenges as to proffer possible solution in subsequence occurrence”
The IAAF thanked governor Okowa for preparing future athletes in Africa by providing salubrious environment for the athletes to strive.
