Former Athletics Federation of Nigeria technical director, Sunday Adeleye has backed Nigerian athletes to top the African Games track and field medals table.
Mr. Adeleye who is the technical adviser to the Sports Minister John Enoh, based his optimistic view on the performances of the country’s athletes so far in the competition. He praised the Nigerian mixed relay team for their heroic outing Tuesday night, when they came from a disadvantaged position to win the gold with a new African record.
“From the look of things we are going to top the athletics medals table and our athletes mean business,” said Adeleye who represented Nigeria in the 400m hurdles at the 2003 African Games.
“I reminded them yesterday on the need to keep a level ahead and stay focused on the task ahead and I trust them to deliver.”
He added that the mixed relay gold had Nigeria’s name written on it based on the team’s previous performances.
But things almost got out hand as Botswana seized the initiative in the third leg with a seizable lead. However, Omolara Omotosho turned things around for the team who are as good as qualified for the Olympics with the 3.13.26seconds run.
“I had it in the back of my mind that we were going to win the 4x400m mixed relay.
“But I am must praised the team spirit of the athletes. They did a marvelous job.”
