William Amponsah, Ghana’s leading long distance athlete will compete in the maiden edition of the Ijebu Heritage Half Marathon in Nigeria.

The 21km marathon would take place on July 17th, 2021 in Ijebu, Ogun State Nigeria.

The 21-year-old student of University of Education Winneba left Accra on Thursday, morning by Africa World Airline (AWA) together with his manager Charles Abeiku Forson to Nigeria.

Speaking to the GNA Sports, Amponsah said he was confident of winning the race though he expects a stiff competition from other nationals from Kenya.

“I know it would be a keen competition, but I have prepared adequately for the race.

“I have been looking for such a competition over the past years and this would be an opportunity for me to strengthen my dominance in the sub-region,” he added.

Mr. Abeiku Forson, his Manager said after years of dominance on the local scene, their plan was to storm the international scene.

“We have a number of competitions line up for the year and this is one of them,” he stated.

According to Mr. Abeiku Forson, the athlete would be competing in the Marakesh International Marathon hence the Heritage Marathon would serve as a preparatory ground.

Amponsah on his last visit to Nigeria won the 21-Kilometer Half Marathon at the ECOWAS Athletics Championships held in Kaduna.

Amponsah, who has in the last three years won the Kwahu Easter Marathon, Millenium Marathon and the Sekondi-Takoradi Marathon.

Prior to his departure, the young athletes received donations of training kits from Captain Afriyie Atta Chief Executive Officer of Pulse Fitness Ghana.

The donation is to support the athlete in his preparation for more international events.