By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria now has replacements for U.S-based speed star, Udodi Onwuzurike, and Godson Brume ahead of the 2023 World Athletics Championship scheduled for Budapest, Hungary.
They are Nicholas Fakorode and Kalington Anunagba.
The world championship will begin on August 19, with the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) making public the list of athletes to represent the country.
Brume had pulled out of the championships two days ago, citing health issues, while Onwuzurike failed to recover in time from the injury he sustained at the NCAA outdoor championships in the United States.
Top on the list of those going to Budapest is world silver medalist, long jumper, Ese Brume.
U.S. based Itshekiri Usheoritshe, Favour Ashe and Alaba Akintola also made the list.
Others are Seye Ogunlewe, Nathaniel Ezekiel, Nathaniel Samson, Dubem Nwachukwu, Chidi Okezie, Samuel Ogazi and shot putter, Enekwechi Chukwuebuka.
On the women’s list to Budapest are Rosemary Chukwuma, Ofili Favour, Faith Okwose, Eyakpobeyan Justina, Success Umukoro, Uko Nse Imaobong, Patience George, Ella Onojuvwevwo, Oke Opeyemi, Ruth Usoro, Amaechi Obiageri Pamela, Anumba Ashley, Onyekwere Chioma and Olatoye Oyesade.
AFN Technical Director, Samuel Onikeku, explained that World Record holder in the 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, is already in the main entry list sent to World Athletics.
“We had sent Tobi Amusan’s name in our main entry list to World Athletics in case she is cleared by the Athletes Integrity Unit (AIU). Tobi is training for the World Championships, and we pray she gets the clearance to compete for ‘Team Nigeria,” he said.
Amusan is still awaiting final decision from World Athletics, depending on statement from Athletics Integrity Unit.
