The camp of Team Nigeria was thrown into jubilation late Saturday, with the arrival of Blessing Okagbare ahead if the commencement of track & field events at the ongoing Africa Games in Congo, Brazzaville.
Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Nasema, described Okagbare’s arrival as a big boost to Team Nigeria’ prospects in track & field events at the games.
“Blessing’s arrival has boosted the team spirit and I believe her presence would serve as a psychological boost to the rest of the athletes,” he said.
Nasema further disclosed that Okagbare will compete in the 4 x 100m relay but did not confirm whether she would compete in100 and 200m races.
“At the moment, I can only confirm that she would join the relay team but I cannot confirm if she’s fit enough to run in the 100 and 200m.
“I’ve just arrived here and I need to get a brief from my technical officials concerning the entries for the various events. What we agreed on earlier is for her to run in the relay. But she might decide to compete in other events depending if her spirit is lifted now that she’s in camp.
“Don’t forget that Blessing was injured recently and may not be fit to run in many events here. We don’t want to force her to run so that we don’t end up creating more controversies,” the Athletics Federation technical director explained.
Okagbare’s participation at the ongoing games in Brazzaville had been a major doubt after she pulled out of the 200m and 4X100 m relay at the recently concluded World Athletics Championships.
