Team Nigeria will continue its pursuit of Commonwealth Games medals on Thursday with a packed athletics programme in Glasgow. Several of the country's leading athletes will compete in qualification rounds, semi-finals and medal events, with world record holder Tobi Amusan and shot put specialist Chukwuebuka Enekwechi expected to lead Nigeria's charge.
The day's competition begins with Jami Schlueter in the men's decathlon. He will open his campaign in the 100m before returning for the long jump and shot put as he continues the demanding multi-event contest. African champion Chinecherem Nnamdi will also be in action during the morning session as he targets qualification for the men's javelin throw final.
Attention will then shift to the women's 100m hurdles, where Amusan begins her campaign in the opening-round heats. The Nigerian star, who remains one of the favourites for the title, will be aiming to qualify comfortably for the evening final as she seeks another Commonwealth Games gold medal to add to her impressive international record.
Nigeria's hopes of success continue during the afternoon session with three athletes featuring in the women's 400m semi-finals. Patience Okon-George, Esther Elo Joseph and Ella Onojuvwevwo will all battle for places in the final, while Samuel Ogazi and Edidiong Udo will compete in the men's 400m semi-finals with the objective of securing qualification.
One of Team Nigeria's strongest medal opportunities comes in the men's shot put final, where Enekwechi will attempt to add another major international medal to his growing collection. The African record holder has consistently challenged the world's best throwers and will be looking to produce another podium performance for Nigeria.
Sprint events also feature prominently in the evening programme. Udodi Onwuzurike will compete for a place in the men's 200m final, while Obi Jennifer Chukwuka and Olayinka Olajide will line up in the women's 200m semi-finals as they seek to extend Nigeria's presence in the sprint finals.
Nigeria's representation extends beyond the able-bodied events. In para-athletics, Unyima Uwak will contest the women's T47 100m final, while Obiageri Amaechi will compete in the women's discus throw final in search of another medal for the team.
The country's schedule also includes track cycling, where Oyindamola Tijani will compete in the men's tandem B 1000m time trial final.
Should Amusan safely progress through the heats, she will return later in the evening for the women's 100m hurdles final. With several qualification events and medal contests taking place throughout the day, Thursday represents one of Team Nigeria's busiest programmes of the Games as the nation looks to strengthen its position on the Commonwealth Games medals table.
ADD A COMMENT :