Team Nigeria athletes continued their buildup to the Paris Olympics with strong performances over the weekend, as sprinter Alaba Akintola clocked 20.50s to dominate the Outdoor Music City Challenge in the United States.
Akintola, based in the U.S., is among the sprinters listed for Nigeria’s Men’s 4x100m relay team at the upcoming World Relays in China, scheduled for May 10 and 11. He will team up with Karlington Anunagba, Udodi Onwuzurike, Fola Olaaya, Usheoritse Itsekiri, and Favour Ashe.
Meanwhile, world record holder Tobi Amusan showed improved form at the Keqiao Diamond League, running a season’s best of 12.66s to place fourth in the women’s 100m hurdles. The race was won by Grace Stark of the U.S. in a meet record 12.42s, ahead of Jamaica’s Danielle Williams (12.55s) and South Africa’s Marion Fourie (12.62s).
Another standout Nigerian, Tima Godbless, impressed with a swift 11.12s run to finish second overall in the women’s 100m at the LSU Invitational in Baton Rouge. However, Rosemary Chukwuma, also on Nigeria’s World Relays roster, finished with a time of 11.37s, ranking 7th and 10th overall from Heats 1 and 2 combined.
These performances serve as a positive sign for Nigeria’s medal hopes as the athletes prepare for the World Relays and the Olympic Games.
