NOSAYABA Erese, 110 metres hurdles sensation has expressed optimism that Nigeria will win some medals in the Beijing Olympics which kick start August 6.
According to Erese athletes like Obinna Metu, Olusoji Fasuba who ran a time of 10.1 seconds in the last NNPC Mobil Exxon Track and Field games in Abuja will win medals in the 100 metres and 200 metres events.
He was very sure that the country’s representatives will live up to expectations in the relay races.
“I was at the Mobil Exxon Track and Field Games. I saw the performances of our athletes in the different track events. I am sure if they are determined and try to improve, they will surprise critics during the Olympics”.
“He asked Nigerians to always encourage sportsmen and women anytime, they are competing in international competitions as the Olympics adding that they could come out with surprise results.
“We know that the Europeans have facilities which can enhance athletes performance in competitions. That is not to say that our athletes here cannot also do well in contest too.”
He called on corporate bodies and government to sponsor athletes to international competitions always so as to help improve on their skills and performance.
Erese said the major problem sports have in this country is that there are no sponsors. If a good athlete is sponsored to international championships, he will even beat his or her European counterparts.
Companies and government should do this together. Athletes can draw programmes for themselves during the year but companies or government should be able to cater for them. Put them in a place where there are training facilities. Sometimes, keep them in a five star hotel where they can take the necessary nutrition because the athlete has to eat good food in order to do well”. Erese concluded.
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