Budapest 2023: Sports Minister Enoh Sends Goodwill Message To Team Nigeria, Demands Podium Finishes

The new Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has felicitated with the Nigerian athletes to the ongoing World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary, on their qualification to participate in the Game.

The minister, in his goodwill message to the athletes, said their participation at the event not only represents their personal accomplishments but also exemplifies the unity of the nation.

He described Nigerian athletes as an embodiment of the nation’s diversity, strength and determination.

“Your participation in the World Athletics Championship not only represents personal accomplishments but also exemplifies the unity of our nation. You are the embodiment of our diversity, strength and determination. As you stand side by side with athletes from around the world, remember that you carry the hopes and dreams of millions of Nigerians who believe in you and cheer for your success,” he said.

He, therefore, urged athletes to compete with all their heart, push their limits and leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of excellence, noting that their success will not only add to Nigeria’s sporting legacy but also inspire generations to come.

While commending the Coaches, support staff and other technical officials for tirelessly preparing the athletes for the competition, he stated further that their dedication and expertise played an integral role in nurturing the athletes’ talents as well as shaping them into world-class contenders.

LEADERSHIP reports that Senator Enoh’s goodwill message and wishes for a successful and unforgettable outing is coming after most Team Nigerian athletes have exited the competition.

Team Nigeria’s long jumper Ese Brume on Sunday failed to match her record at the 2022 World Athletics Championships as she finished fourth in the Women’s Long Jump event.

Brume jumped a distance of 6.84 to place fourth behind Serbian Ivana Vileta, who won gold with a jump of 7.14.

Earlier on Saturday, Team Nigeria’s shot putter, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, and the 4x400m mixed relay quartet of Dubem Nwachukwu, Patience Okon George, Nathaniel Ezekiel and Imaobong Nse Uko failed to make it beyond the group stage.

African Champion in the men’s shot put, Enekwechi, missed out on qualifying for the final after placing seventh in Group A with a best throw of 20.66m, which wasn’t adequate to take him to the next round.

Enekwechi finished eighth in his debut at the Championships in 2019 in Doha, Qatar and 11th in Oregon, USA last year.

The 4x400m Mixed relay team finished sixth in the second semi-final heat after running a 3:14.38sec personal season’s best. They could not progress from their group yesterday.

The team made it to the final last year in Oregon but could not replicate that in Budapest.

The duo Seye Ogunlewe and Usheoritse Itsekiri qualified for the semi-finals of the 100m event after running 10.07secs (0.0) and 10.17secs (-0.6) in their respective heats but their compatriot Favour Ashe crashed was disqualified after making a false start.