Commonwealth Games Trials: Dark Horses Plot To Topple The Status Quo

IKPO IGBINOBA 

With barely a  month to the Commonwealth Games trials for judo, excitement over the event has reached a frenzied pitch. 

The Nigeria Judo Federation, NJF has fixed February 22nd-25th for the trials which will take place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

On Wednesday, judokas stepped up their preparation for the all-important event at the improvised dojo of the National Institute for Sports, NIS.

The early morning training session was a gathering of the big guns and the minnows.

At the end of the day, one message was  clear, that the minnows or dark horses won’t surrender on the tatami mat without a fierce fight. 

Thus, the so called stars who believe that the trials would be as easy as a stroll in the park should be ready for a shocker.

Yes, the minnows are ready to alter the status quo in the trials of high stakes.

On Wednesday the minnows desperate to drop the derogatory garb of underdogs said so, loud and clear, not just in words but also in action. 

When they mingled with the stars during the randori( sparring session), it was clear that an explosive battle looms.

One of the underdogs who didn’t want to be named, explained why the trials will produce fireworks.

According to him “It’s the dream of every athlete to represent their country in international events and the trials is offering me that rare opportunity.

“I won’t allow the opportunity slip since the federation has provided a level playing field for all”.

The ambitious added sounding  boastful 

“You should be on the look out for me during the trials because I will cause an upset.

“I must be quality for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games”.

The all-comer open trials will feature over 

200 judokas from the 36 states of the federation, Abuja, clubs, the military and para military institutions. 

Judokas will slug it out in all the 14 weight categories( seven each for men and women) in the three day event.

The trials will herald the process of raising a powerful team which will represent Nigeria at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games scheduled for July 28th to August 8th in the United Kingdom.