Raymond Ekevwo carried Nigeria’s flag the highest on day one of the 17th edition of the IAAF world championship in Doha as the Ugheli born sprinter progressed into the finals of the 100m race on the tracks of the Khalifa International Stadium.
Ekevwo ran a controlled race to place second in 10.14 behind defending champion Justin Gatlin in his Heat.
100m and 200m NCAA double champion, Divine Oduduru was not seen on track after he was listed by the IAAF on the 100m start list.
According to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Divine choose to focus on the 200m events and likely the relays.
Nigeria’s hope of getting a medal in the women’s 100m event was bruised as Blessing Okagbare sets focus the 200m event and relays.
Prior to the completion, she was Nigeria’s sole representative in the 100m and 200m events.
National Champion, Usheoritse Itsekiri, did not make the final after he placed 7th in his Heats.
In the men’s 400m Hurdles event, Rilwan Alowonle qualified for the semifinal after he clocked 50.04s to place 4th in his Heat.
Oduduru and Okagbare are both expected to compete on day 2 in the 200m men and women’s events respectively.
