‘Without Udodi, Brume, Nigeria’s 4x100m relay can win medal in Budapest’

Godson Brume

The absence of U.S.-based sprinters, Godson Brume and Udodi Onwuzirike will not stop Team Nigeria from performing well in the 4x100m relay at the fast approaching World Championship in Budapest, Hungary, coach Endurance Ojokolo-Akpeki has declared.

The 2023 World Athletics Championships will run from August 19 to 27, and coach Ojokolo-Akpeki is optimistic the Nigerian men 4x100m can thrive when hostilities begin.

Godson Brume, with a Personal Best of 9.90seconds pulled out of the championship last week citing health issue, while Udodi Onwuzurike (9.92sec Personal Best) is unable to recover from an injury he sustained at the NCAA events in the United States.

Some athletics followers are of the opinion that their absence could affect Team Nigeria’s 4×100 relay chances, especially, after they labour hard to qualify at the last minute.

But former sprinter, Ojokolo-Akpeki, dismissed such skeptism saying that the team’s chances of reaching the final and springing surprises, is very bright.

Speaking with Mainlandmetronews.com, Ojokolo-Akpeki said: “Brume and Udodi’s absence will not be a problem at all. Though their being on ground would have helped, but we still have athletes who can get the job done.

“All we need do is to work hard as a team and have an excellent chemistry during the baton exchange. As athletes and coaches, we must try hard to avoid arguments and distractions. If we can get our acts together, we have athletes who have also ran faster times this season. So, we can work our way to the final, and anything can happen.”

Speaking further, Ojokolo-Akpeki, who ruled the track alongside the likes of Mary Onyali and Mercy Nku in her active days, said: “I am confident that we can do well without Udodi and Brume. We