Metu, Fasuba, Amata make Nigeria's squad for Beijing Olympics

LAGOS, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) on Saturday released the list of its contingent to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, with the Mobil 2008 Championship's 100m champion Obinna Metu topping the men's cadre.

The Valencia world indoor champion Olusoji Fasuba, whom Metu beat in the 100m final of the Abuja meet, also made the list.

Others are Adetoyi Durotoye, Uchenna Emedolu, Chinedu Oriala, Onyeabor Nwaogu and Deji Aliu.

Metu will also compete in the 200m at the Olympics.

In the 400 and 4x400m, Goodday James will join Saul Weipogwa, Bola Lawal, Gbenga Awoleye, Victor Isaiah and Femi Ogunode to compete for medals.

Salim Nurudeen, who will compete in the 110m Hurdles, completes the list as the 15th for the male athletes.

Damola Osayomi will lead the women's 100m list, with Franva Idoko, Gloria Kemasuode, Agnes Osazuwa, Halimat Ismaila and Kate Aregunmen also making the list.

In the 200m, Osayomi and Kemasuode will compete for honors while Folashade Abugan, Joy Eze, Oluoma Nwoke, Endurance Abinuwa and Gladys Stephen will compete in the 400 and 4x400m.

In the 100m hurdles, Toyin Augustus and Jessica Ohanaja will compete for Nigeria at the games.

High-rising Doreen Amata, who won gold in high jump at the All Africa Games in Algiers last year, will attempt to win again at the Olympics while Blessing Okhagbare (Long Jump), Chinonye Ohadugba ( Triple Jump) and Vivian Chukwuemeka (Shot Put) complete the list of 18 women.

According to the AFN's Media Coordinator, Ben Ahiante, former Olympian Innocent Egbunike will lead the coaching crew with Harrison Momah, John Obeya, Pat Itanyi, Kola Adebayo and Solomon Abari as assistant coaches.