President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa says the board is happy with the superlative performance of ‘Team Nigeria’ at the 2024 World Athletics Relays in Bahamas.
“I am so glad our athletes got the four tickets in Bahamas,” Okowa said shortly after the men’s 4x100m team of Udodi Onwuzurike, Ekanem Emmanuel, Alaba Akintola and Karlington Anunagba clinched their ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“I salute the athletes, the coaches, my board members, Sport’s Ministry officials and all those who made this victory in Bahamas possible,” Okowa stated.
After winning two tickets on Day 1 of the World Athletics Relays in Bahamas, Nigerian athletes ensured the job was completed on Sunday night, picking two more tickets in women and men’s 4x100m Relay.
Both teams had missed the tickets on Saturday night.
The victory ensured the Men’s team return to the Olympics after 16 year absence, just as the women will make their ninth straight appearance.
First to secure a passage to Paris is the women’s 4x100m team led by Nigeria’s 200m indoor and outdoor record holder, Favour Ofili.
In the absence of World Record holder in the 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, who could not make the trip to the Caribbean Island, Ofili ran an incredible second leg to get Nigeria into a great position with reigning National Sports Festival double sprint champion, Tima Godbless anchoring home in first position (42.71) ahead of Switzerland who picked the second automatic ticket in the third qualifying heat.
Running without two of the nation’s fastest sprinters at the moment, Ashe Favour and Godson Brume. Udodi Onwuzurike, Ekanem Emmanuel, Alaba Akintola and Karlington Anunagba who replaced Seye Ogunlewe ensured they did not fall twice as they coasted home in second place (38.57) behind arch rivals and West African neighbours, Ghana (38.29) to pick the second automatic ticket to Paris.
While for the women, it will be their ninth straight appearance at the Games with two podium appearances in 1992 (bronze) and 2008 (silver), it is a return to the big stage for the men since 2008 in Beijing, China where the quartet of Onyeabor Ngwogu, Obinna Metu, Chinedu Oriala and Uchenna Emedolu fell out in the heat.
Nigeria had picked two tickets on Day 1 of the World Relays on Saturday in the men’s 4x400m and the mixed relay, with Chidi Okezie’s heroics run.
Okowa, strongly believes that the success in Bahamas was as a result of the AFN board’s determination to put Nigeria on the global map at the Paris Olympics after about two decades of the Atlanta ’96 Olympics success story.
“In anything we do today, we put God first,” Okowa said.
“Despite the fact that things are hard, some of my board members and I have resolved to forge ahead. There are some who are interested in finding faults in whatever we do, but God has been faithful to us. We shall continue to do our best for Nigeria athletics.” The Delta State born administrator added.
Okowa, went on to explain that ‘Team Nigeria’ Athletics made a bold statement in Accra, during the 13th African Games.
“NIgerians saw what we did at the last African Games in Ghana. Our next step will be in Cameroon for the African Senior Championships. We will give the team the best preparation for the Paris Olympics.
“We will also ensure that the women’s 4x400m team get the ticket to Paris to make it 5/5. The AFN needs fund to achieve its dream of making a podium finish at the Paris Olympics.” Okowa stated.
Under Okowa’s administration as AFN President, Nigerian athletics has made significant progress, with athletes creating more records than ever before. From Tobi Amusan world record in the 100m hurdles to Ese Brume’s long jump exploit.
The victory of ‘Team Nigeria’ in the athletics event at the 13th African Games is another feat during this current AFN board.
