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Former national athletics coach Toni Urhobo has cast doubt over Blessing Okagbare’s medal chances at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Okagbare, who won gold in the 100m and 200m at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow two years ago, will represent Nigeria in the women’s sprint double and 4x100m relay, as well as long jump.
Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who is aiming to become the first woman to win the 100m at three Games, is favourite for a fourth title in the event in Rio. Tori Bowie, who posted the United States’ fastest times in 100 and 200m, is another favourite for the sprint titles.
London 2012 Olympics 200m champion America’s Allyson Felix could retain the crown. USA ran 40.82 (world record) to win the women’s 4x100m at London 2012, while Brittney Reese leaped 7.12 to win gold in women’s long jump. Reese, 29, is favourite to win the event in Rio.
But former Athletics Federation of Nigeria President Urhobo believes the Nigerian 100m record-holder (10.79) Okagbare could climb onto the podium in Rio if she focuses on one or two events at the competition.
“It’s sad to watch a Nigerian athlete about to lose the last opportunity to register her name amongst the world’s greats at the highest stage of sports competition — the Olympics,” the ex-international tweeted on Wednesday.
“Whoever is convincing our own very talented athlete, Blessing Okagbare, to participate in 4 events at her age, I’m sure is making a mistake.
“I do hope and pray, just for the love I have for her as a passionate sportsman and an ex-T&F Head Coach of my beloved country Nigeria she’s well prepared for this task and comes out with her best ever performance at the Olympics.
“No doubts, Rio Olympics will record some outstanding performances in Olympics history. God help Nigeria.”
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