Nigeria’s sprint queen and Africa’s 200m record holder, Blessing Okagbare, has opted out of the 100m and 200m race event at the ongoing African Senior Athletics Championship in Asaba, Delta state.
There are no clear reasons why the recent inductee into the African Athletics Confederation (CAA) Hall of Fame would want to miss out on an opportunity to showcase her sprint prowess to participating athletes and Africa in general, however, there are unconfirmed tittle-tattle that the athlete may be nursing an injury or facing self-doubts -uncertain of her output if she goes ahead with the race.
An anonymous but trusted source confirmed to CSN that the rumors may very well hold some water. “Her name is not on the start list of the 100m and the 200m and there could be just two reasons. Maybe she’s nursing a slight injury or the fear of Ta Lou,” the source stated.
It is yet to be seen if Okagbare will compete in the long jump event following the backlash she has received so far from fans who feel she has been in meagre shape since the beginning of the season.
It also strikes a thought; could it be that the harsh words critics have spoken to Okagbare in recent times have made the athlete doubtful of her strengths?
Feature image: iaaf.org