LAGOS JUNE 15TH (URHOBOTODAY) Nigerian-born Saudi athletics head coach, Taiwo Ariyo has predicted a good outing for Blessing Okagbare at the World Championships in Moscow, Russia, but he has asked the country’s athletics buffs not to put pressure on the fast rising sprint star.
Okagbare has been enjoying a good form ahead of the Championships which will be her third appearance in a blossoming career. In two IAAF Diamond League meets, Okagbare did impressive wind assisted 10.75 secs in the 100m and 7.14m in the long jump, her traditional event.
“She should be able to get her first world championships medal but Nigerians should let her be, they shouldn’t expect too much from her,” said coach Ariyo.
“It is not easy placing all your hopes on one athlete in a country of 160 million people. Okagbare is another blessing to Nigeria but who is with her to fight the battle.
If you understand this sport, you will feel sad for Nigeria to be talking about one person when we have opportunity to do the right thing and have 10 Okagbares,” said the coach who is currently with his athletes preparing for the World Championships in Baden, Germany.
Source: Vanguard