All attention shifts to the University of Ghana Stadium Legon Monday as the athletics event of the African Games unfold.
Though most of the big names African track and field stars have stayed back to focus on the Olympics, there is still a promise of excitement as Nigerian and Ghanaian athletics officials were ready to bet who would clinch the sprints and relays.
In the men’s 100m top guns like Ferdinand Omanyala, Akani Simbine, Leslie Tebogo are marked absent leaving the field to anyone’s guess. Itseorishe Itsekiri, Alaba Akintola and Consider Ekanem are the Nigerian sprinters on ground hoping to win the gold.
In 2019 Raymond Okewvo was the surprise winner, but he has faded from the track and field scene. But with guys like Itsekiri, Sunday Okon and Ekanem whose 10.10secs is the third fastest time so far in the season, Nigerian officials are hopeful they can perform, prove their worth and qualify for the Olympics.
“Our sprinters are good to go, it doesn’t matter the opposition from the other countries. We know that the sprints are very competitive,” coach Deji Aliu said.
“We are looking forward to them running the rounds and I can tell you that they are confident and hungry to achieve a podium finish.”
“As for the relays, we are adequately prepared. Our practice has been excellent and if we can repeat that during the competition we can take the gold in the 4x100m men.
Ghana were the surprised winners in 2019 and in front of their home fans, they would want to hold on tight and win.
“We cannot allow Nigeria to take the 4x100m gold. We are going to win it and I can bet my last cedi,” said a Ghanaian coach during training on Saturday.
In the Women’s race Olayinka Olajide has the fourth best time this season and she is looking to make her debut in the Games.
“Our women are equally ready to compete, from what I have seen of Olajide and Tiana Eyakpobeyan we can get a podium finish, I cannot say much on the colour of the medal now,” Aliu added.
Women 100m hurdles world record holder Tobi Amusan is on the ground and that is a good as done and dusted gold for Nigerian in the event. She is expected to run in the 4x100m relay.
In the field events the women’s long jump looks like a Nigerian affair with Ese Brume, Ruth Usoro and Prestina Oluchi Ochonogor tipped to decide the medals at stake.
The legion of US-based throwers of Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, Chioma Onyekwere, Ashley Anumba and Obiageri Amaechi are also on ground to contest for the medals at stake.
“Our team is solid and ready to compete. We have reserves that can even fill in if there is a need for it,” said Athletics Federation of Nigeria technical director, Samuel Onikeku.
ITSEKIRI of Nigeria