AFN Promises Good Show At Bahamas Relay

The Technical Director, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, has said that Nigeria’s contingent to the Bahamas Relays will give a good fight at the competition.

The competition is scheduled for May 2 to May 3 in Nassau, Bahamas.

Nesiama told newsmen in Lagos yesterday that the contingent would perform credibly, in spite of the participation of athletes like Usain Bolt of Jamaica, Tyson Gay and Justin Gatlin of U.S.A.

“We have competed against them before and we do all the time. It does not make any difference to us,” he said.

He, however, said that the men relay team was not as strong as the women’s, noting that insufficient funds had contributed to the poor training programmes for the team.

“Our men relay teams are not as strong as our women’s and unfortunately, our programmes and plans for the year are being hampered by funding difficulties.

“Otherwise, we would have been beating our chest right now that we can make the podium in the male events.

“To be honest, our chances are slim for the men as it is right now. However, for the 4x200m relay, we could have a chance,” he said.

The Technical Director, Lagos State Athletics Association (LSAA), Tony Osheku, said that looking at the list of U.S.A and Jamaica, the nation’s chances were slim, but it would be an experience for some athletes.

“To be sincere with you, we are just going there to participate.

“I saw Jamaica’s list and that of U.S.A, it will be difficult for us but let us go there, gain experience and if we make it to the final, we will qualify for the 2016 Olympics,” he said.

U.S.A will boast of 21 athletes comprising of Allyson Felix— a four time Olympic gold medallist and Carmeliter Jeter, a three time Olympic Gold medallist.

Jamaica squad consist of athletes like Nesta Carter— a 2013 World Championships bronze medallist and Usain Bolt, the world fastest 100m sprinter.

The top eight finishers in the men’s and women’s 4×100 and 4x400m relays will qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games scheduled for August in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.