Abba Born US-Based Athlete, Udodi Onwuzurike Joins Nigeria’s Squad To World Championship

As the world counts down to World U-20 Athletics Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, Udodi Onwuzurike, son of an Imo prominent international businessman and community leader, Chief Chris Onwuzurike, has successfully made the list of three U.S- based junior athletes in Team Nigeria’s Squad to the World Athletics U-20 Championships holding in Africa from August 17th -22th. 

In the highly competitive and thoroughly screened list released by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) on Thursday, 12th August, 2021, were the trio of Udodi Onwuzurike (Michigan), Favour Ofili (Louisiana), and Best Erhire (Tennessee).

Favour Ofili, an outstanding junior athlete in the U.S, is expected to compete in four events, which include: women’s 100m, 200m, 4x100m, and 4x400m relay. Other athletes in 100m and 4x100m relay include Praise Ofoku, Olayinka Sholademi Olajide , Chukwuma Obi, Tima Godbless, and Anita Tavire.

In the men’s category of 100m and 4x100m relay, we authoritatively gathered that Nigeria’s flag bearers have the following; Udodi Onwuzurike, Fakorede Adekalu, Kingsley Unorji, Mabilo Nicholas, Godson Brume, and Favour Ogenetejiri Ashe.

While Godbless and Ofili shall compete in the Women’s 200meters relay, Adekalu  Fakorede, Mabilo Nicholas and Udodi Onwuzurike are athletes for the 200m. We however, gathered that one of Nigeria’s brightest stars in the junior category, Imaobong Nse Uko, is leading the Women’s 400m and 4x400m relay.
Others in the relay team are Opeyemi Oke, Favour Ofili, Ada Bright and Osaretin Joy.

Meanwhile, Udodi Onwuzurike, is among the stars to watch during the World U-20 Athletics Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, having participated in a number of both State and National competitions in the United States of America and won many laurels; among which were:  A gold medalist in the 2017 AAU in Detroit, had an amazing Personal Record (PR) of 20.78 at 200m running with professionals at American Track League – Sound Running Sunset Tour;  crowned the fastest high school runner in the nation at the 2021 Brooks PR Invitational – having broken Christian Coleman Brooks PR record of 7 years ago (Boys 100m ).

//Click to watch video clips://
https://brooks-pr-invitational.runnerspace.com/eprofile.php?event_id=5619&do=videos&video_id=307945

The duo of Bamidele Ajayi and Johnson Chidera will compete in the Men’s 400m event. 
Ekporere Prosper Oghenemine is Nigeria’s sole representative in the Men’s hurdles, just as Sarah Ochigbo will run in the Women’s hurdles.

Others on the list were Nathaniel Ezekiel (men’s 400m hurdles), Ruth Agadama (women’s long jump), Esther Osisike (women’s discus), Omamuyovwi Best Erhire and Aya David (men’s high jump) and Nnamdi Chinecherem (men’s javelin).

Bamidele Ajayi, Salubi Emmanuel, Imaobong Nse Uko, Opeyemi Oke, Ella Onojuvwevwo, and Chidera Johnson are listed for the 4x400m mixed relay event.

Team Nigeria’s athletes , 4thestatereporters gathered , have been in camp in Asaba, Delta State,  since July 23, where they took part in an open trial on July 29. The final squad was selected on Tuesday before the list was shortlisted yesterday, Thursday 12, 2021.
//Watch the training session of Udodi Onwuzurike ://
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=5877207899018708&id=100001886697102

– Njoku MacDonald Obinna,

PR Expert & Publisher, 4th Estate Reporters.