Blessing Okagbare

Golden girl of Nigerian athletics, Blessing Okagbare, has promised to ensure that Nigeria’s flag flies very high when at the 2012 Olympic Games, which begins later this month in London.

Okagbare, who is Nigeria’s brightest hope of a medal at this year’s games, revealed during a reception in her honour by First Bank in Lagos on Wednesday that she has been working hard to ensure that she did better than the bronze medal she won at the last Olympics in Beijing, adding that she ready to take all comers in London.

According to Okagbare, “Many people have been talking about the Jamaicans and the Americans, who have been doing well in the circuit, but I want to assure Nigerians that I am ready for every challenge I will face in London. I have worked so hard for this moment and I am not the type of athlete that will shy away from challenges.
 
“All I want to say is that Nigerians should be rest assured that I am going to London to do my best for the country.”

The First Bank brand ambassador dispelled fears of being burnt out before the games.

“I have a contract with Nike which entails that I take part in some competitions and I try to keep that contract because that is how I make my money. But I know my body and what to do to recover fully after every competition, so there should be no fear about my health going into the games. I have two more meets in London before I move into the Games Village, and I am just ready for the competition.”

Earlier while welcoming Okagbare to the event, First Bank Executive Director, Public Sector (South), U.K Ekeh, revealed that the bank was supporting Nigeria’s participation at the London Olympics because of its affinity with the Olympic movement and the important position it occupies in London.

According to Ekeh, “First Bank in alignment with the values of respect, friendship and excellence that drive the Olympic Games is working with the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Team Nigeria and stakeholders to ensure the nation’s success in London 2012.
 
“The unusual display of determination, resilience and excellence exhibited by the world’s best athletes are values that First Bank subscribes to. They are the very foundation of the bank’s success story after 117 years and the motivation to remain the best through continuing innovation