Team Nigeria will hope to continue its dominance in track and field at the African Games as athletes begin to burn the tracks on Monday (today) at the ongoing 2023 edition in Ghana, The Herald reports.
Recall that since its inception at Congo Brazzaville in 1965, the African Games have witnessed Team Nigeria’s unparalleled dominance in athletics, clinching a remarkable total of 309 medals, including 141 gold, 104 silver, and 64 bronze.
As other events unfold at various locations, focus will soon turn to the University of Ghana Sports Complex, where eight events will kick off and progress to the semi-finals.
Team Nigeria will compete in the men’s and women’s 100m, 400m, 800m as well as mixed 4x400m relay while 110m hurdles will also take place.
Nigeria’s involvement will be in the men’s 100m heats at 10:50 am, with the women’s event following at 11:20 am, both preceding the evening’s semi-finals.
Nigeria will see further action in the evening with the men’s and women’s 400m heats, alongside the 800m heats and the mixed 4x400m relay, concluding the day’s events at 8:35 pm.
Last Monday, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria announced a formidable team of 50 athletes for the upcoming event, featuring notable names like Tobi Amusan, the world record holder in the 100m hurdles, alongside Ese Brume and Ruth Usoro.
Others include reigning national champions in the 100m and 200m for men Okon Israel and Consider Ekanem, as well as Tokyo 2020 Olympics 100m finalist Enoch Adegoke.
Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, charged the athletes to make it count for Nigeria on the track.
“I am charging the entire contingent to keep the chase on Egypt and steer clear of the others behind them,” said Enoh.
“I am sure in athletics, our athletes will bring their A-game and show their dominance,” Enoh added.