Race favorite Consider Ekanem didn’t start as he disappointed athletics buffs who came to watch him run at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria African Games trial as he was ejected from the men’s 100m.
The spectators including Edo State Sports Commission executive chairman, Yusuf Alli, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, former AFN president Solomon Ogba felt pained that Ekanem who had won his semi-final heat with 10.08 seconds was given the marching orders. Mr. Ogba had promised to offer Ekanem a N100,000 token, if he did a 10. flat.
Perhaps it was the pressure that got into him or he was forced into committing the error by a fellow competitor, Ekanem would have to lively himself up for another day.
“It’s was really disappointing he got ejected from the race, we all came to see him run a good time,” said Mr. Alli
“But I guess he would be called to the African Games camp where he would have another chance.”
Israel Okon Sunday in Ekanem’s absence won the race with 10.20 seconds, beating Fakorede Adekalu who clocked 10.26 and Enoch Adegoke who posted 10.30secs
In the women’s race Olayinka Olajide running in lane three confidently coasted home after breaking away from the pack; she finished at 11.19seconds a personal best for her, Bless Ogundiran finished second with 11.50, while Favour Onyebuchi was third finishing 11.66
