Nigeria will be represented by 15 athletes at the forthcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan from September 13-21.
The 15-man shortlist led by World recorder holder in 100m hurdles,Tobi Amusan, has seven women and eight men,who will be seeking for glory in 11 sports.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) released the team list on Sunday and pointed out that the country will be competing in the following sports – the sprints, hurdles, long jump, throws, and relays.
Other key members of the team are Olympic bronze medalist and long jumper, Ese Brume, NCAA 400m hurdles champion, Nathaniel Ezekiel and shot putter Chukwuebuka Enekwechi.
Others include: Rosemary Chukwuma (100m women), Prestina Ochonogor (Long Jump women), Chioma Onyekwere Lyons (Discus women), Obiageri Amaechi (Discus women), Oyesade Olatoye (Hammer women), Kayinsola Ajayi (100m men), Israel Okon (100m men), Udodi Onwuzurike (200m men)
Samuel Ogazi (400m men), Chidi Okezie (400m men), and Charles Godfred (Long Jump men)
AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, said the selection was based strictly on merit and qualification standards set by World Athletics.
He expressed confidence that the athletes will give their best and bring glory to the country in Tokyo.
Okowa assured “We are optimistic that Team Nigeria will make the nation proud. I must commend the coaches, sponsors, and government agencies who have supported these athletes in their journey. More developmental programmes are in the pipeline to ensure the continuous growth of athletics in Nigeria,”.
