Three Nigerian athletes may miss events over U.S. visa delay as World Championship begins

[FILE] Nigerian gold medallists Tobi Amusan, Blessing Okagbare, Joy Udo-Gabriel and Rosemary Chukwuma celebrate after winning the women’s 4x100m relay during the 2018 African Senior Athletics Championship in Asaba. Photo: PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP.

Olatoye, 4x400m mixed relay open bid for medals

Three Nigerian athletes, including sprinter, Rosemary Chukwuma, may miss their events following delay by United States Consulates to issue them visas to participate in the Oregon 2022 World Athletics Championships, which begins today.

Chukwuma, a student in the U.S., was caught in the long wait for visa in Abuja, following her application to change to student status.

The quartet of Rosemary Chukwuma, Grace Nwokocha, Tobi Amusan and Tima Godbles gave Nigeria the 4x100m relay ticket to Oregon at the National Trials held in Benin City, Edo State, last month.

The Guardian learnt yesterday that Chukwuma, who gained her first international experience at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, where she won a bronze medal behind Team England and Jamaica, was still waiting for her visa as at yesterday evening in Abuja.

She also won a gold medal in the 4×100m relay at the 2019 African Games. That was a few months after she won triple gold at the Junior African Championships in Abidjan in both the 100m and 200m.

Chukwuma is among Nigerian athletes expected to run in the 100m heat events tomorrow at the championship. Another Nigerian athlete still waiting for U.S. visa in Abuja yesterday is 400m runner, Ella Onouvevwo.

All four Nigerian journalists accredited by World Athletes to the championship are yet to get U.S. visa. Hammer thrower, Oyesade Olatoye, and the 4x400m mixed relay team will open Team Nigeria’s bid for podium appearances