Nigerian Sprinter, Blessing Okagbare-Ighoteguanor has qualified for the semi-finals of the women’s 100 metres event at the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) in London.
The Commonwealth champion recovered from a bad start to finish the race in 11.22 seconds behind America’s Tori Bowie who ended the race comfortably in 11.05 seconds.
The Nigerian champion has been drawn in the third semifinal Race at the London event and she will have to overcome Ivorian and current African record holder, Muriel Ahoure and the impressive Marie-Jose Ta Lou as well as the hugely talented Tori Bowie of the USA.
Okagbare-Ighoeguanor, drawn in lane 5 will also have to consider the quality of Trinidad and Tobago sprinter, Michelle-Lee Ahye and Britain’s Asha Philips.
The Nigerian will hope to secure one of the two automatic qualifying slots for the final or post a good result to qualify as one of the two fastest losers.
Meanwhile shot putter Enekwechi Chukwuebuka failed to make history in the event as the first Nigerian to compete in the final of the event in the championships as his 19.72m effort was not good enough to throw him into the final.
In the 400 metres event, Samson Nathaniel ran 46.63 seconds to finish fifth in his opening round heat and subsequently crashed out. Same as two full laps runner, Edosie Ibadin whose impressive 1:46.61 run could secure qualification into the final.
