...Praises NSC, AFN, For Pre-Championship Camp
By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye Who Was In Shagamu
“My outstanding performance at the National Trials is just the tip of the iceberg.”
These are the words of sprint sensation, John Caleb, an influential member of Team Nigeria to the 2025 Confederation of African Athletics U-18/U-20 Championship scheduled to take place in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
He made this known on Friday in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG’s Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye.
Caleb, who won the 200m final at the National Trials, in a time of 21.37s (-1.1), explained that he was expecting a better time and that the camping has helped refine him, transforming him into an unstoppable weapon.
“I wasn’t expecting the time to be like that because I came prepared, I was in very good shape, but eventually the wind spoiled the show,” he said.
He further explained that he had nurtured the dream of representing Team Nigeria at the athletics showpiece for a long time, and he is happy that it has come to fruition.
“I thank God for everything, I was able to perform well at the trials, I’ve been training for so long for this, just to make the team, and I’m grateful to God that I eventually made the team,” Caleb stated.
He added that the camp put together by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC) ahead of the U-18/U-20 Athletics has helped him get prepared.
“During the camp, I’ve been able to rest and recover very well for the main competition, then I’m in very great shape, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria has given us the very best at the camp,” he emphasized.
John Caleb vowed to give his best at the continental showpiece and make the Giants of Africa proud.
He thanked the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Sports Commission for the support given to him and other members of Team Nigeria.
“I would like to thank the AFN and the NSC for allowing the athletes to participate in the trials, because almost all the athletes participated in the trials. I want to thank them for giving everyone the chance to showcase their skills. A lot of athletes ran their PBs. They’ve given us the highest possible accommodation, everything is going fine,” he concluded.
Over 700 athletes across the continent will be participating in the Championship slated for the 16th to 20th of July 2025 in Abeokuta, the Rock City, Ogun State.
