The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has expressed delight with the record breaking feat of Sprint sensation Tobi Amusan who on Saturday January 27 opened 2024 season on high at the World Indoor Tour in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Amusan dazzled spectators with a 7.77secs in the 60m hurdles in the event’s final where she beat African record set by Gloria Alozie 25 years ago.
SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, while reacting in a statement issued by the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, said her victory early in the year has ignited hope of foreseeable better Olympic Games outing for Nigeria later in the year at Paris, France.
“Amusan is no doubt one of Nigeria’s shining lights in recent times. The victory she has recorded so early in the year will certainly boost her morale ahead of other competitions in 2024.
“Ofcourse, this year is full of many sporting events – from African Games to Olympic Games, World Championship and others. So, Amusan is good to go,” he said.
The Nigeria’s number one Sports Writer also used the opportunity to highlight the need for all stakeholders to join hands and ensure early preparations to the various international competitions where athletes will be expected to do the country proud.
He said, “I sincerely appeal that Amusan’s victory should ignite the timely plan and execution of Nigeria’s participation at the lined up sporting events, particularly the African Games and Olympics.
“Under the current leadership of Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, who has so far shown commitment in administering the sector, it is our expectation that Nigeria will surpass previous performance.”
While African Games takes place in Ghana, March 8 to 23, Olympic Games is scheduled for between July 26 to August 11, 2024 in Paris, France.
