• Praises AFN Over 4x100m Relay Team’s Qualification To Budapest
After anchoring Nigeria’s men’s 4x100m team to qualify for Budapest 2023 Championships, United States-based sprinter, Godson Brume, declared that he is glad their efforts were rewarded in a big way.
The Nigerian men’s 4x100m relay team sped to a 38.26seconds finish at the Warri Grand Prix at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, on Thursday to qualify for next month’s Athletics Championships in Budapest,
Hungary.
The time is the fastest returned by a Nigerian team in over 10 years, as the quartet of Favour Ashe, Kayinsola Ajayi, Alaba Akintola and Godson Oghenebrume raised hopes of a possible podium finish in Budapest.
The last time a Nigerian team ran faster was in 2004, when the quartet of Olusoji Fasuba, Uchenna Emedolu, Aaron Egbele and Deji Aliu sped to a 38.23seconds finish to win a bronze medal at the Athens 2004 Olympics in Greece.
The ticket came after three unsuccessful attempts in Lome, Togo; Lagos, Nigeria and Cotonou, Republic of Benin. Brume told The Guardian that he was so excited they got their baton exchange right at the Warri Grand Prix, used by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and Delta State Government to honour former Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa, Dr. Awoture Eleyae, who died last week in Benin City, Edo State.
Brume commended AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, Technical Director, Samuel Onikeku and the coaching crew, which has Seigha Porbeni, Tony Osheku and seven-time Nigeria 100m queen, Endurance Ojokolo, for their roles in the success.
“We are also grateful for the morale support and encouragement by Chief Solomon Ogba and everyone who made this qualification possible. I am looking forward to a successful outing in Budapest,” Brume stated.
While the duo of Godson Brume and Favour Ashe are expected to depart for their base in the United States on Monday, Alaba Akintola has decided to train in Nigeria for the Championship.
