Metu missing as 100m final holds today

[Mirror]

Defending champion of the men's 100m, Obinna Metu was nowhere near the tracks of the U.J Esuene Stadium when the heats of the short sprint were run yesterday at the commencement of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN)/Cross River State All-Nigeria Athletics Championships.

Over the years the rivalry between Metu and championship favourite, Ogho-Oghene Egwero has added glamour to the national trials but it remains unclear why the athlete who runs for the Nigeria Immigrations, did not make an appearance to defend his title.

He was also absent at the Warri Relays/Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Grand Prix which was held last week where Egwero ran a season's best of 10.16secs which was just one second short of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships 'A' standard.

Technical Director of the AFN, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama had last week appealed to Metu to avail himself of the opportunity to run in Calabar in order to test his level of fitness and preparedness for forthcoming competitions.

Athletes that qualified for the semis from Heat 1 of the men's 100m are Egwero (10.20), Ogunlewe Seye (10.44), Emuobonuvie Mamus (10.52 and Egode Anthony (10.57). Nmaju Jonathan (10.42), Ikhazobor Victor (10.52), Kasumu Ahmed (10.55) and Imhoaperamhu Nicholas (10.61) qualified from Heat 2.

Heat 3 comprises of Agbaje Fred (10.56), Ukale Elvis (10.62) and Oyebiyi Ayobami (10.68) while athletes that made it to the next round from Heat 4 include Chukwudike Harry (10.41), Tamuontonye Briggs (10.47), Onyeaku Chukwuma (10.53) and Akomolafe Ademola (10.63).

Also missing in Calabar is Team Nigeria sprinter Christy Udoh who represented Nigeria at the London 2012 Games.

The US-based athlete would have loved to be at the Championship which also serves as trials for the Moscow 2013 IAAF World Championship in Athletics but could not make it because of summer school.

National Mirror