By Uzor Odigbo
Veteran coach, Tony Osheku, has said the Nigerian 4×100m men’s relay team can possibly win a medal at the forthcoming World AthIetics Championship this month in Budapest, Hungary.
In his analysis after the team’s qualification for the relay event at Warri Relays held on Thursday in Asaba, the AFN technical committee member said the Athletes now understand what it takes to win after a long hard work.
“It took the team a long time to qualify after several attempts at the Six qualification meet. This had made the Athletes stronger, resolute and more determined to pull through the rigours of competitions in Budapest.
“The coaches did a lot to get the Athletes to the right form which wasn’t there before, all we have to do is to maintain the momentum.”
According to him, aside from their 38:26 performance, these lads are capable of running 37secs if pushed further.
Osheku insisted the coaches have established good chemistry which brought about accurate and swift baton exchange that wasn’t there, which also delayed our qualification at the previous meet.
He hinted that “Speed is nothing when coordination is lacking.”
He opined that Nigerians should not be surprised if the team picks a medal in Budapest, “Because we have fast runners currently on sub-10 who are yet to be incorporated in this team namely Itshekiri, Udodi with Ashe, Brume, Alaba, Ajayi and others, just imagine what these lads could achieve if all go well with our plans”.
He was all praises for the AthIetics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) President Chief Tonobok Okowa for his resilience in believing in the team to the last day as he kept following and monitoring the team’s progress with needed funds until our qualification.
The technical director Samuel Onikeku he said, was fantastic in providing technical support in making sure the team qualified.
“Like I said, the job has not ended, more works are still ahead and I ask all Nigerians to support and pray for Team Nigeria success in Budapest,” he said.
