Femi Solaja
8 May 2008
Lagos — Nineteen Nigerian weightlifters and five officials departed Lagos yesterday for South Africa to take part in the final qualifier for this summer's Olympic Games.
The Secretary General of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Steve Olarinoye told THISDAYSports on phone yesterday that all the lifters are in high spirits to do the nation proud both and are ready at the South African tournament and the main event in China later this year.
"The lifters have been in camp for a long time and all their needs have been met and if the atmosphere in camp is anything to go by then I'm sure they will make a mark at the event.
"Don't forget that we just came back from Olympic camp in Cairo, Egypt late last month and added to the experience they have gathered in Abuja in the past few months of domestic camping all these added together will give Nigeria the edge over other contenders," he pointed out.
The event will hold in Cape Town from 12th-16th of this month and among the lifters are Onyeka Azike, who is currently on International Olympic Committee (IOC) scholarship who will join the team in South Africa.
The lifter, who is competing in the 48kg won gold medal at the last All-Africa Games in Algeria and the country will contest for three slots that is two male and one female.
According to the scribe of the federation, Nigeria was to vie for four slots until it was reduced to three by the international body and no reason was given for the change.
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