The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has unveiled the official roster of athletes set to compete in the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, News About Nigeria reports.
The finalized list for the tournament which starts August 19, features notable changes, as Udodi Onwuzurike and Godson Brume have been omitted from the lineup.
Brume withdrew from the championships due to health concerns, while Onwuzurike was unable to recuperate in time from an injury sustained during the NCAA outdoor championships in the United States.
To fill these vacancies, the AFN has included Nicholas Fakorode and Kalington Anunagba in the squad. The AFN’s technical director, Samuel Onikeku, elaborated on the developments, expressing optimism regarding Tobi Amusan’s potential inclusion.
Onikeku stated, “We had sent Tobi Amusan’s name in our main entry list to WA in case she is cleared by the Athletes Integrity Unit (AIU). Tobi is training for the World Championships, and we pray she gets the clearance to compete for Team Nigeria.”
The revised athlete roster is headlined by Ese Brume, the world silver medalist in long jump. Additionally, the list features U.S.-based athletes such as Itshekiri Usheoritshe, Favour Ashe, and Alaba Akintola.
Prominent names on the men’s list include Seye Ogunlewe, Nathaniel Ezekiel, Dubem Nwachukwu, and Enekwechi Chukwuebuka, a shot put specialist.
Among the female athletes representing Nigeria at the tournament are Rosemary Chukwuma, Ofili Favour, Faith Okwose, and Amaechi Obiageri Pamela.
AFN is said to have handpicked the country’s representatives at the competition, so as to secure a strong performance on the international stage.
