U.S.-based Junior Athletes’ Arrival Lights Up Team Nigeria’s Camp
The World Athletics U-20 Championships begins tomorrow and will run till August 22. The country’s contingent to the championship comprises 24 athletes and five coaches, as well as some officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria. They left Abuja on Sunday and arrived in Kenya same day.
As the athletes were busy clearing their bags at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi in the early hours of Monday, news filtered that four U.S.-based athletes in the team had arrived.
The athletes are Favour Ofili, Best Erhire, Udodi Onwuzurike and Dubem Aneme. Ofili, who is one of Africa’s best junior sprinters listed in this championship, will complete in 100m and 4x100m relay, while Erhire is Nigeria’s flagbearer in the high jump. Udodi will compete in 100m and 200m events, just as Aneme will challenge for medals in 100m and 200m.
Other athletes in Team Nigeria’s squad here in Nairobi include Praise Ofoku, Olayinka Sholademi Olajide, Chukwuma Obi, Tima Godbless and Anita Taviore.
Also in the team are Favour Oghenetejiri Ashe, Godson Brume, Fakorede Adekalu, Mabilo Nicholas, Kingsley Unorji, Tina Godbless and Adekalu Nicholas Fakorede.
Team Nigeria is sharing the same building with Portugal and Poland. Technical Director, Samuel Onikeku, a Customs officer and board member of the AFN, was busy yesterday arranging the Nigerian team for the challenges of Nairobi 2021 World U20 Championship.
AFN President, Tonobok Okowa and its Secretary General, Niyi Beyioku, are expected in Nairobi today ahead of tomorrow’s opening ceremony.
