Breaking News

Aliu counts on Okagbare, Amusan, Brume for podium finish

 

Retired sprinter and Athens 2004 Olympics bronze medallist Deji Aliu says the trio Blessing Okagbare, Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume have what it takes to win medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which starts on Friday.

In a chat with our correspondent, Aliu who is now a coach, said the three athletes have proven that they could compete favourably with the best in their events.

“I don’t want to put pressure on anybody, but I am counting on Blessing, she has been superb this year and I’m expecting a lot from her. I pray she is injury-free because that is one thing an athlete has to pray against. So, I’m expecting something spectacular from her, I know she is ready and she is capable,” Aliu told The PUNCH.

“I’m also expecting something from Tobi Amusan, she has been fantastic over the years and I think she has come of age. She has everything at her disposal, so I also have a podium expectation from her, the same thing with Ese Brume, she has also come of age, so a podium finish.”

Aliu added that the basketball teams and the wrestlers were Nigeria’s other hope of winning medals.

“I have been following the basketball teams and my expectations for them are high, I am expecting a podium finish from them. We also have good wrestlers and I think they will do well. They are in very good hands, the president, and the coaches are doing a very good job, so I expect them to give a very good account of themselves as well,” he added.

No comments