Second vice-president of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Akuchukwu Chineze Aghazu has showered commendations on officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC) form motivating ace hurdler, Tobi Amusan into her recent top form.
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Sports247 reports that Aghazu took another look at Amusan’s performance last weekend and suggested that the world record holder showed another reward of the NSC’s current leadership’s prompt payment of training grants to Nigeria’s elite athletes.
Aghazu added that Amusan’s impressive second place finish was an encouraging result that boosts Nigeria’s morale heading into this year’s Commonwealth Games in Scotland, as the athlete can even go faster when the chips come down in July.
Aghazu pointed out that Amusan has improved on her 12.83 seconds opening performance of the season at the CAA Senior Athletics Championships, following which her signs of progress became evident on the elite Diamond League circuit.
She improved to 12.41secs at the Shanghai Diamond League, then got her fastest time of the season so far this past weekend in Xiamen, where Amusan clocked an impressive 12.28 seconds, much to the delight of Aghazu.
While noting Amusan’s growing confidence and race fitness after an inconsistent start to the year, Aghazu pointed out that prompt payment of training grants to elite athletes by the NSC is boosting these good results from her and other Nigerian athletes.
Aghazu took note of the latest feat and added, “She is a very consistent runner and determined to maintain her grip on the 100m hurdles. As I always say, consistency is very key for any top athlete, and Tobi Amusan has shown that over time.
“With the Commonwealth Games drawing closer, Amusan’s rising curve will offer encouragement to Nigerian athletics fans hopeful of another dominant showing from one of the country’s most decorated track athletes.
“Each race has reflected a more composed and explosive Amusan, suggesting her preparations are beginning to align perfectly as attention gradually shifts towards Glasgow. The world record holder is steadily returning to peak condition.
“As the NSC’s director-general (Honourable Bukola Olopade) would say, let the athletes do their running and the National Sports Commission will play its part very well. That is what we are seeing with Amusan and other elite athletes.”
