Lagos – Oluwaseun Olamide, a gold medalist at the “2016 Splash FM Integrity Marathon Race’’, has attributed Nigeria’s poor performance in the sport to lack of support by sponsors.
Olamide told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos that sponsors had misconception that Nigerian athletes could not surpass Kenyans and Ethiopians in the event.
“They are always underrating distance, they believe we can’t beat the Kenyans and Ethiopians, that’s what they believe in, I believe we can do it.
“If they can help us, we can do it.
“How I am training now, I know I can make it because I train harder than before.
“ I train at UNILAG, at times, I train for four to five good hours, it is not ea sy.’’.
She said that if the obstacle of doubt was discarded by sponsors, then the nation’s athletes could have the opportunity to prove their mettle at international competitions.
The athlete, who came first in the female category of the maiden “Access Bank Lagos City Marathon’’, said that her dream was to represent Nigeria at the Olympic Games.
Olamide said that the dream could only be a reality if sponsors throw their weight behind local marathon competitions.
“ I know that it is going to be a gradual process but I see myself representing the country at the Olympics, if the event is given the right kind of the support,’’ she said.
She also appealed to more sponsors to identify with the sport, noting that Nigerian athletes were talented. (NAN)