Obikwelu
heads star lineup at Nigeria's Olympics trials
AFP
18 July 2000 – Lagos, Nigeria - Top Nigerian sprinter Francis Obikwelu is leading a cast of 18 overseas-based stars to the country's Olympics trials which begin here on Thursday.
Portugal-based Obikwelu has been in superb form this season in both the 100, in which he recently clocked 9.98s, and 200 metres.
Other top foreign-based stars in action at the trials which double as a dress rehearsal for Sydney include African 100m hurdles record holder Glory Alozie. The Spanish-based star, who won a silver medal at last year's IAAF World Championships, has a personal best of 12.44s in the 100m hurdles.
Atlanta bronze medallists Falilat Ogunkoya (400m) and Mary Onyali (200m) as well as '99 All-Africa Games gold medallist Mercy Nku, now based in Portugal, will also be competing for places in the country's team for the Sydney games.
Long jumper Chioma Ajunwa, who won gold in Atlanta, was not invited by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) for because "she has done nothing of note this season," technical chief of AFN, Moses Ogun, said.
However the policewoman has recovered from a knee injury and will pay her way to the trials.
Nigeria won one gold and three bronze medals in athletics at the Atlanta Olympics four years ago.
