By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye
A dominant figure in Team Nigeria to the Confederation of Africa Athletics U-18/U-20 Championship, Valentine Chiemelie, on Saturday, expressed happiness in representing Nigeria at the event.
He made his feelings known in an exclusive interview recently.
He stated that this is his first time representing Nigeria, and he will do everything within his power to make it count.
The terrific javelinist, made his presence felt in Shagamu, during the National Trials and is very confident he can make it happen again, at the Rock City, Abeokuta, Ogun State during the championship.
“I’m happy to be representing Nigeria on the continental stage, I’m a bit nervous, it’s my first dawning the colours of my country, but I will make my presence felt,” he said.
He emphasized that he had begun training for this moment, immediately after the MTN Championship Grand Finale Season 3.
“I’ve been training for the trials for a time, after I came back from the MTN Championship Grand Finale Season 3, which I had my javelin throw there and I won a bronze medal, I was so excited and very happy, and then I started training for the National Trials, although not intensely, I thank God that I made it in this trials, God has been my backbone all the way,” Valentine stated.
He commended the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, (AFN) and the Nigeria Sports Commission, (NSC), for the pre-championship camping, stressing that it has been a platform for athletes to sharpen their skills.
He went on to add that the camp has been a memorable one for him as athletes have been given the best from feeding to accommodation.
“The camp is going great, the accommodation is excellent, the feeding is great, training has been exceptional,” he added.
Over 700 athletes will be participating in the age grade competition, slated for July 16-20, 2025.
