The Athletics Federation of Nigeria has named a formidable 40-member team to represent the country at the upcoming CAA Africa Senior Championships in Douala. Leading the charge for Nigeria will be world-class stars Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume.
Amusan, the world record holder in the 100m hurdles, will be a heavy favorite to claim gold in her specialty event.
Brume, will also be one to watch out for in the long jump in Douala.
Thr athletes were selected after the national trials held at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City June 16-18.
Other standout names on the Nigerian roster include Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, (shot put), Favour Ofili (100m), Rosemary Chukwuma (100m), and Dubem Amene (400m).
The 4x400m relay teams, which have traditionally been a source of pride for Nigeria, will feature the likes of Ella Onojuvwevwo, George Patience Okon, Esther Elo, Omolara Ogunmakinju in the women’s event while Ogazi Samuel, Okezie Chidi, Adeyemi Sikiru, and Nwachukwu Dubem will represent Nigeria in the men’s event.
The team also boasts a strong contingent in the field events, with Olusade Olatoye (hammer), Onyekwere Chioma (discus), Amaechi Obiageri (discus), Anumba Ashley (discus), Chinechrem Nnamdi (javelin), Kure Samuel (javelin), and Kparika Victoria (javelin) all making the cut.
The full list of athletes named to the team includes:
1. Ella Onojuvwevwo (400m)
2. George Patience Okon (400m)
3. Esther Elo (400m/4x400m)
4. Omolara Ogunmakinju (4x400m)
5. Enekwechi Chukwuebuka (Shot Put)
6. Amusan Tobi (100m Hurdles)
7. Brume Ese (Long Jump)
8. Godfred Charles (Long Jump)
9. Adesina Temitope (High Jump)
10. Ogazi Samuel (400m)
11. Ofili Favour (100m)
12. Chukwuma Rosemary (100m)
13. Okezie Chidi (400m)
14. Ajayi Kanyinsola (100m)
15. Olusade Olatoye (Hammer)
16. Onyekwere Chioma (Discus)
17. Amaechi Obiageri (Discus)
18. Anumba Ashley (Discus)
19. Godbless Tima (100m)
20. Brume Godson (100m)
21. Favour Ashe (4x100m)
22. Adaobi Tabugo (100m Hurdles)
23. Emeka Jeffrey (Decathlon)
24. Chinechrem Nnamdi (Javelin)
25. Kure Samuel (Javelin)
26. Kparika Victoria (Javelin)
27. Ochonogor Prestina (Long Jump)
28. Peter Esther Okon (400m)
29. Dubem Amene (400m)
30. Ojeli Ifeanyi (400m)
31. Adeyemi Sikiru (4x400m)
32. Nwachukwu Dubem (4x400m)
33. Goodness Iredia (Long Jump)
34. Njoku Emmanuel (Long Jump)
35. Edose Ibadin (800m)
36. Comfort James (800m)
37. Akintola Alaba (200m)
38. Itshekiri Usheoritsie Ese (100m)
39. Justina Tiana Eyakpobeyan (100m)
40. Olajide Olayinka (100m)
Nigeria will be aiming to dominate the medal table at the continental showpiece event in Douala.
The African Senior Athletics Championship is scheduled to take place from June 21 to 26 and will serve as a crucial preparation event for Nigerian athletes ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris, France next month.