By Ben Efe

Nigerian junior athletes, who were making their senior international debut at the All Africa Games, have expressed delight with their haul of gold medals. And they are asking the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the National Sports Commission to pay more attention to the development of youth talents.

Tobiloba Amusa won gold in the women 100m hurdles, also Promise Kelechi Nwanaga got gold in the javelin throw with 52.72m. They both admitted that they didn’t expect to win in their events, but now that they have been exposed, they are aiming for high laurels for the country.

“I was so excited winning the gold. I had a South African athlete who had even done better than me this season in the field, but I really pushed myself hard to get the gold,” said Nwanaga.

“My aim now is to do 60m throw and become a world elite athlete. It is going to involve a lot of hard work, but I am ready to make the sacrifice, I only pray that I will get the support of the country.”

For Amusan she has taken a step into international stardom and there is no going back.

“It feels good to be a gold medalist. All my expectations were just to be on the podium, not winning the gold.

“We need a good camping programme just like we did before we came to Congo, and also financial support, we can do greater things.

“I have set a target for myself and that is the 12.44 national record held by Gloria Alozie. By God’s grace I will get to that level very soon,” said the hurdler who made her mark at the maiden Africa Youth Championships 2013 in Warri, Delta State.