Injury stops Okagbare in 200m

A hamstring injury prevented Blessing Okagbare from taking part in the 200m event at the World Championships in Beijing.

The Commonwealth champion was listed in the start list of Heat 3 but did not show up for the race eventually.

However, in a statement on its website, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) said the sprinter got injured during the pre-race warm-up.

“A hamstring injury during warm-up on Wednesday prevented Blessing Okagbare from participating in the heats of the 200m. Okagbare, who went for surgery shortly before the All-Nigeria Athletics Championships held in Warri, Delta State, was certified fit for the World Championships. The injury probably re-occurred because of rounds she did in the 100m,” the statement read.

However, Gabriel Okon, Team Nigeria head coach expects her to be ready for the women’s 4x100m.

“Blessing was focused on doing well in the 200m; her warm up was okay but she developed a hamstring injury. After examination of the injury by the medical team, she was advised to rest the leg as running with the injury could aggravate it before her participation in the relays and All-African Games. I can confirm that Blessing will be okay before the relays start.”