Okagbare won’t falter in Moscow – Uti

Sunday Uti, one of the Athletic coaches who flew out with some home-based athletes to Moscow yesterday for the Championship that holds from August 10 to August 18 left an upbeat message to Nigerians that they would come back with medals.


There have been concerns from several quarters that Blessing Okagabare’s sparkling form could nose-dive as it did during the London Olympics where she faltered.

But Uti dismissed such fears yesterday when he said that Nigerians should look on the brighter side of life.

“The Olympics is gone and Blessing has been in blistering form. She has put that performance at the Olympics behind and has posted better times at the just concluded Diamond League where she set a new African 100m record of 10.79secs.

We are, without question, in a better position going into the World Championships. We’re encouraged by Okagabare’s form which no doubt will rub off on the team. We are prepared and focused”.

Dismissing the fears that Okagabare could succumb to pressure or buckle on the weight of expectation from millions of Nigerians, Uti said that Blessing was no longer a little girl that could be frightened by spectators. ‘’She is tested and trusted and has been performing before huge crowds.

She is a world star athlete. Nigerians should pray for her. There is nothing to be afraid of. Team Nigeria will strike gold in Moscow’’, Uti optimised.