By DIPO OKUBANJO
AFRICA'S fastest sprinter,
Olusoji Fasuba,has drawn the battle line as elite Nigerian athletes converge
in Abuja this week for the All Nigeria Open Track and Field Athletics Championships
holding from June 30 through July 3 at the National Stadium in the Nigerian
capital.
The competition serves as trials for prospective Nigerian representatives
at this year's Olympic Games holding in Beijing, China, and Fasuba, who is
the defending champion in the 100m race of the Nigerian Open, says he will
defend his title successfully, regardless of the opposition.
"I am looking forward to do better, do my best because I know all eyes
are on me. "Fellow athletes want to break my record, they want to make
good marks too, but I think this is my time and I won't let it pass me by,"
said Fasuba on his arrival for the championship. His resolve to beat all-comers
comes on heels of the surprise defeat he suffered last Monday at the same
Abuja stadium where obscure Adetuyi Durotoye posted 10.14 to beat Fasuba to
the second place among other strong opponents at the CAA Grand Prix event.
Other top athletes Fasuba would have to contend with in his quest for an encore
are former World Champion Uchenna Emedolu, Deji Aliu, Obinna Metu and Uche
Isaac.
The women's race will not be less attractive as the likes of the African champion
Damola Osayomi, Franca Idoko and Endurance Ojokolo battle for supremacy.
Recent performance by Nigerian athletes around the world has suddenly raised
hope that the country can win medals at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Athletes
like Godday James, who ran a blistering 44.90 over 400m at the CAA Grand Prix
faces a stiff opposition from Saul Weipogwa; it would be a sraight fight between
Ajoke Odumosu and Sandra Iwunze in the women's 400m hurdles; while it is expected
to be an easy ride for Folashade Abugan and Vivian Chukwuemeka in gthe women's
400m and the shot put events, respectively.
The All Nigeria Open track and field competition has produced top world class
athletes since its inception in 1989 and this year's edition is expected to
be a very tough battle for a place in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.