As Nigerian athletes put up a last minute effort to shape up for the African Championships, coach Akinpelu Saheed  has urged Nigerians not to give up on the team as they can still spring surprises.

The athletes only went into camp last Sunday, after the botched national trials. 

According to coach Saheed, “ it has been quite a great effort to put the athletes in competition mood”.

“We are trying our best. Despite the short time we have to prepare.

“I know that Nigerians are ever hungry for success. We will try to win something for the country no matter what”.

 “Here at Ozoro we have been well taken care of and the food is good. So we don’t have any reason not to fight.”

He pointed out the major areas that needed concentration;

“We are trying to maintain an athletes’ present form for now, all we need to do is to correct some of the mistakes and add one or two things, and of course jointly work as a team to perfect our relay teams.”