In a move to boost the morale of Nigerian athletes and officials at the ongoing Oregon 2022 World Athletics Championship in Eugene, United States, the Sports Ministry and Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) are in a race to fix the situation in the team’s camp ahead of the 4×100 meters relay event, which starts Friday.
The athletes are said to be grumbling over allowances, but a top official of the sports ministry said things would be sorted out before the commencement of the 4×100 metres relay events.
It was hinted on Wednesday that an official of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria has departed for Oregon.
After the failure by Nigeria’s male and female sprinters in both the 100 meters and 200 meters events, attention will shift to the women’s 4x100m relay team on Friday.
The trio of Rosemary Chukwuma, Grace Nkwocha, and Favour Ofili could not rescue the situation for Team Nigeria in the 200 metre race event on Tuesday, as they failed to reach the medals zone. Reigning World U20 200 metres champion, Udodi Onwuzurike, could not also go beyond the heat.
The 4×100 meters relay for both men and women will begin on Friday (July 22), and Nigerian coaches are said to be sweating it out at Oregon, perfecting strategies on smooth baton exchange.
Also Read: World Athletics Championship: Mixed fortunes for Team Nigeria on Day 1
The quartet of Favour Ashe, Godson Brume, Alaba Akintola, and Udodi Onwuzurike, who stormed to a Season’s Best Time of 38.35 seconds during the AFN’s National Trials last month in Benin City, Edo State, will have to improve their performance as they face the rest of the world in the 4×100 metres relay.
But Nigeria’s medals hope in the relay seem to be more on the women, who made it to Oregon after France women’s 4×100 metres relay team was ‘depleted.’
Tobi Amusan, Rosemary Chukwuma, Grace Nwokocha, Favour Ofili and Joy Udo-Gabriel are the nation’s flag bearers in the 4×100 metres relay team, which has a season best time of 43.25 seconds.
Nigeria’s 4×100 metres women’s team initially had its ticket to Oregon 2022 World Championships taken away following new doping allegations brought against former Nigeria sprint queen, Blessing Okagbare, whose ban has been increased from ten to 11 years.
After the relay events, attention will shift to the duo of Ese Brume and Tobi Amusan, who will also start their individual events on Friday.
Editor : Ena Agbanoma
