NEW sports minister John Enoh has sent a goodwill message to Team Nigeria athletes currently participating in the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary just as the country’s biggest medal hope Tobi Amusan is preparing to race.
Enoh was one of 45 new ministers inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu yesterday in Abuja, and the former senator from Cross River State afterwards had a message for the athletes in Budapest.
“Your participation in the World Athletics Championship not only represents personal accomplishments but also exemplifies the unity of our nation,” Enoh, who is a former university lecturer, said.
“You are the embodiment of our diversity, strength and determination. As you stand side by side with athletes from around the world, remember that you carry the hopes and dreams of millions of Nigerians who believe in you and cheer for your success.”
Nigeria’s performances have not been encouraging at the global competition in Hungary, with medal hope Ese Brume missing out on a podium finish in the women’s long for the first time in three editions, and none of the sprinters or those in the other field events reaching the finals.
However, there is some hope in Amusan, if she can shake off the effects of a recent setback.
The World Athletics Championships gold medallist in women’s 100m hurdles from the last edition in Oregon, United States of America last year and world record holder in the event at 12.12 seconds will be going into the defence of her title without the ideal preparation.
Amusan, who is the only Nigerian athlete in history to win a world title in athletics and break a world record, was suspended last month by the Athletics Integrity Unit for allegedly missing three out-of-competition drug tests, which is a serious anti-doping rules violation.
The 26-year-old refuted the allegation and was eventually cleared last week, just days to the start of the World Athletics Championships on Saturday.
While serving the provisional suspension, Amusan missed a few crucial races, including the high-profile Diamond League events, and she could be a little rusty going into the World Athletics Championships.
The African, Commonwealth and world champion will return to action today from around 5.40pm Nigerian time when the women’s 100m hurdles kicks off the evening session at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest.
Amusan is drawn in Lane 4 for her first round heat, with the semi-finals slated for tomorrow and the final on Thursday.
