President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Solomon Ogba

By Duro Ikhazuagbe

As part of the move to keep Team Nigeria athletes focused on their various events, visitors have been barred from their camp at the Games Village here in Stratford.

President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Solomon Ogba, Wednesday imposed the ban as well as ordered the athletes to stop receiving visitors.

"I’ve told them that there should be no meetings with my athletes anymore. And there should be no visitors, too. I want these athletes to concentrate and have peace of mind before their events start,’’ observed the AFN chief on whom many pin their hopes for medals for Nigeria here in London.

"The athletes are in good mood and training well. That is why I want them to remain focused and not be burdened with meetings, meetings. I don’t know what they are meeting,’’ stressed Ogba.

He assured Nigerians that the Athletic team to the Olympics would do their best in the Olympics.

"I am not promising anything. All I know is these athletes are in good condition. For me, I want all them to get to the semi final. And from there, anything can happen,’’ said the AFN president.

Meanwhile, former captain of Team Nigeria, Yusuf Ali has predicted that the nation's track and field team to this edition of the Olympiad were primed to win gold medals here.

"As athletics is starting on Friday, I still maintain my stand that Team Nigeria will win four medals in track & field," insists Ali whose national long jump record of 8.27m remains unbeaten in two and half decades.

Asked if the medals will be gold, Ali retorted; "Gold? I don’t know their colours but I know that we will win up to four medals. Winning gold goes with luck. Don’t rule that out. Once we get that to that level, anything can happen. I am sure of that. The athletes are well positioned to do well. Tell Nigerians that there is no tension. They should relax and support Team Nigeria,” he urged.