—Bahamas 2014:
Team Nigeria’s preparation for the inaugural edition of the IAAF World Relays, which takes place in Bahamas this weekend, has suffered a setback with injuries to top sprinter, Obinna Metu and the likes of Bukola Abogunloko, Josephine Ehigie and Ada Benjamin.
Rita Ossai and Chukwudike Harry are also part of the casualties.
Notwithstanding the Athletics Federation of Nigeria ((AFN) is optimistic that the contingent will put up a good show in the event which is holding at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium in Nassau.
Female quatermiler, Patience Okon has already left Nigeria for the US alongside winner of the men’s 400m in the last Golden League, Omeiza Akerele to boost the team’s chances in Bahamas.
AFN President, Evangelist Solomon Ogba thanked Nigerians for their support while maintaining that the relays will be used to assess the strengths of the country’s relay teams in preparation for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games scheduled for Glasgow.
He also expressed high hopes that the athletes will recover in time for next month’s All-Nigeria National Athletics Championships in Calabar, Cross Rivers State.
The IAAF Relays has attracted teams from more than 40 nations comprising more than 500 athletes who form the best relay quartets on the planet, including powerhouses like USA, Jamaica, and Russia.
The innovative two-day competition will see men and women compete in the 4x100m, 4x200m, 4x400m, 4x800m and 4x1500m in front of sell-out crowds.
A total prize purse of USD $1.4 million is on offer as the first three teams stand a chance of winning $50,000, $30,000 and $20,000 respectively. Teams occupying the fourth to eighth positions will get $12,000, $10,000, $8,000, $6,000 and $4,000.
Any team who breaks a world record in Nassau will be awarded a USD $50,000 bonus by the IAAF while the top eight teams in the 4x100m and 4x400m will automatically qualify for the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing.
NPFL Match day 15 Results
Lobi Stars 3-1 FC Taraba
El kanemi 1-1 Enyimba
Nasarawa Utd 2-0 Giwa
Crown 2-1 Warri Wolves
Bayelsa Utd 1-0 Akwa Utd
Sharks 1-0 Rangers
Nembe City -1-0 Dolphins
Kaduna Utd 2-2 Kano Pillars
Heartland 1-1 Abia Warriors
