U.S.-based Nnamdi sure of Commonwealth Games ticket despite ‘high’ standard

Nnamdi Chinecherem

• Amusan, Ekevwo arrive, AFN secretariat moves to Benin

United States-based javelin thrower, Chinecherem Nnamdi, is sure of grabbing a ticket to fly Nigeria’s flag at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon and the Commonwealth Games in England despite what he considered a ‘high standard’ set by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Nnamdi, who got a bronze medal in men’s javelin at the last World U-20 Athletics Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, arrived in Lagos on Saturday alongside four other athletes, Godson Brume, Udodi Onwuzurike, Nathaniel Ezekiel and Imaobong Nse Uko.

Speaking with The Guardian at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, Nnamdi described the 85.00 metres standard set by AFN at the national trials in Benin City ‘as higher’ than usual this year.

For a foreign-based male javelin thrower to secure the ticket to the World Championships and the Commonwealth Games, he must throw 85.00 metres, while women must throw 64.00 metres.

Nnamdi, who became the first Nigerian athlete in 19 years to win a field event medal at the World U20 Championships in Nairobi since Esther Aghatise won a medal in long jump in 2002, stated that he would try his best to meet AFN’s target in Benin.

He is also targeting the 2024 Olympics in Paris to make a meaningful impact in javelin.

“My dream for javelin in Nigeria is to have as many athletes going for the 2024 Olympics and winning medals,” Nnamdi stated. Sprint hurdler, Tobiloba Amusan and sprinter, Raymond Ekevwo, have arrived to battle for tickets at the national trials holding in Benin from June 24 to 26.

The duo arrived aboard Qatar Airways and Royal Air Maroc flights respectively on Sunday.

Amusan improved her African 100m hurdles record (12.42s) by 0.02 to