Egbunike unsure of Team Nigeria

30.04.2008

Ex-quarter miler, Innocent Egbunike has stopped short of making a prediction about Nigeria’s chances of excelling at this year’s Olympic Games in Beijing, China, compared to what the contingent got in Athens, Greece.

He, however, harped on the need for better coaching of the nation’s athletes, while also expressing hope that Olusoji Fasuba and Damola Osayomi would be able to get some high marks and make the country proud when the chips finally come down.

“I’m not ready to make any prediction or forecast what might happen at the Olympics. I am always positive, but I would not be able to say what might come our way or not in China.

“We have some talented ones in Osayomi and Fasuba, but they cannot do it alone. All I can say we have to look to the future and hope that we get the right coaches to take the talents through the ranks and develop them to bring a rosy future for Nigerian athletics,” Egbunike said.

He also recalled his experience as a member of the coaching crew to the Sydney 2000, Olympic Games and noted that the relay team showed how the spirit of togetherness and obedience to the coaches’ instructions could bring good results on the tracks.

“The bottom line is that we need the best kind of team spirit and togetherness to lead our athletes forward.

“I remember my experience with the team in 2000, especially how the relay teams bonded together. Sunday Bada and Enefiok Udo-Obong were always discussing plans and strategies.”

“That went a long way to take them forward. That’s the kind of mentality we need for our athletes of the moment,” Egbunike advised.

The United States-based track and field instructor concluded with a view that the coach’s job is like that of a preacher, who makes the athlete believe he can do what she or she initially thought was impossible