• Ghana, Benin Republic arrive today for Lagos Series
Former Nigerian jumper, hurdler and sprinter, Seigha Porbeni, has predicted that the United States-based Nigerian speedstar, Godson Brume, would make a big difference in the country’s relay team that will participate in the Lagos Series tomorrow.
Three of Nigeria’s relay teams are still searching for Budapest 2023 Championships qualification marks, after moving close at the African Region 2 Relay events held in Lome, Togo, last weekend.
Brume, a student at the Louisiana State University, arrived in Lagos in the early hours of yesterday. He was unable to participate in last week’s national trials in Benin City, Edo State, owing to a combination of circumstances.
Speaking with The Guardian shortly before their training session at the Yaba College of Technology, yesterday, Porbeni, who is Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s (AFN) head coach, stated that Brume’s arrival could ‘save the situation.’
“Based on his current form, Godson Brume is among Nigeria’s best sprinters at the moment. I am sure his inclusion in our relay team can make a big difference on Friday. I am not trying to undermine the strength of other sprinters in the team. They are great athletes. The technical team is working very hard to ensure Nigeria’s relay teams get tickets to Budapest. It is possible we get them on Friday,” Porbeni stated.
Brume did two sub-10 runs in the build up to the Championships, including a 9.90 seconds he did in June.
Nigeria has already secured two relay tickets for the Budapest 2023 Championships, the women’s 4x100m and the mixed relay. Three countries, Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic are already confirmed for tomorrow’s Lagos Series.
Brume’s arrival has made the men’s 4x100m relay squad more competitive for Usheoritse Itsekiri, Seye Ogunlewe, Alaba Akintola and Favour Ashe.
Itsekiri became Nigeria’s new sprint king at last week’s national trials, after recording 10.02 seconds to equal his Personal Best (PB) from 2019. Ogunlewe finished second in 10.11secs, followed closely by Alaba Akintola in 10.12secs.
Meanwhile, Ghana and Benin Republics are expected to arrive today for the Lagos Series.
