Amusan leads loaded Nigerian contingent to African Athletics Championship

Nigerian sprint star Tobi Amusan, fresh off retaining her national title, will lead a 40-athlete contingent to the African Athletics Championships in Douala, Cameroon.

The event kicks off tomorrow Thursday and serves as a crucial stepping stone for athletes aiming to peak at the Paris Olympics later this summer.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has selected a strong team with the goal of topping the medals table. Amusan, the current world record holder in the 100m hurdles, spoke with AFN Media after her victory, emphasizing the team’s determination: “We are Nigerians, and we are going to Douala to show that spirit of ‘we can do it.'”

Nigeria’s Contingent at African Athletics Championship

Team Nigeria’s Male Contingent at African Athletics Championship

• Men’s Sprints: Look out for Kayinsola Ajayi, Godson Brume, and Usheoritse Itsekiri in the 100m and 200m, while the 4x100m relay team boasts a combination of these sprinters alongside Favour Ashe.
• Men’s Middle Distance: The 4x400m relay features a quartet of Dubem Amene, Ifeanyi Ojeli, Samuel Ogazi, and Chidi Okezie, with Sikiru Adeyemi and Dubem Nwachukwu as reserves. Edose Ibadin will compete in the 800m, while Emeka Jeffrey takes on the decathlon challenge.
• Men’s Field Events: Chukwuebuka Enekwechi brings his strength to the shot put, while Nnamdi Chinechrem and Samuel Kure compete in the javelin throw. In the long jump, Godfred Charles, Goodness Iredia, and Emmanuel Njoku will vie for medals.

Team Nigeria’s Female Contingent at African Athletics Championship

• Women’s Sprints: Joining Amusan in the 100m are Rosemary Chukwuma, Justina Eyakpobeyan, Favour Ofili, Olayinka Olajide, and Tima Godbless. The 4x100m relay incorporates these athletes.
• Women’s Middle Distance: Patience Okon-George leads the charge in the 400m alongside Esther Elo, Esther Okon, and Ella Onojuvwevwo, with Omolara Ogunmakinju as a reserve. Comfort James will compete in the 800m.
• Women’s Field Events: Alongside Amusan in the 100m hurdles is Adaobi Tabugbo. Ese Brume and Prestina Ochonogor will battle it out in the long jump, while Temitope Adesina takes on the high jump. Sade Olatoye competes in the hammer throw, Chioma Onyekwere, Obiageri Amaechi, and Ashley Anumba will vie for medals in the discus, and Victoria Kparika throws the javelin.

The competition will serve as a valuable gauge of Team Nigeria’s readiness for the upcoming Olympics in Paris.