Analyst Urges Okagbare To Exploit Current Forum

A sports analyst, Tayo Balogun, has urged Team Nigeria to stay focused as it contends with athletes from other countries for honours at the 2012 London Olympics.

Balogun made the plea during an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

He stressed that Blessing Okagbare’s current form should be exploited to a devastating effect in the track and field events of the quadrennial global sports fiesta.

Balogun, however, advised that Okagbare’s coach should be able to work on her take-off from the starting blocks, to ensure an outstanding performance at the London Games.

“Team Nigeria should not allow the jamboree toga usually associated with the Olympic Games to distract them; the athletes must remain focused, if they intend to win medals.

“At this point in time, Okagbare’s coach should be more concerned with her take-off, after the blast of the gun.

“That is the most crucial aspect that they have to urgently address, to actualise her ambition of excelling at the Games,’’he said.

The analyst admonished Okagbare to guard against complacency, against the backdrop of her strong performances in recent meets in Europe.

“She should not allow all the encomiums being heaped on her to get into her head; I just want her to remain focused, because it is not easy for her to have come this far.

“Okagbare should also not allow the paparazzi to affect her performance; if she can survive the current media attention, she will certainly succeed at the Olympics,’’ Balogun said.