As athletics events of the ongoing 12th African Games is scheduled to begin on August 26, Best Erhire, Nigeria representative in the men’s high jump, says he is happy to represent the country.
Erhire, who is debuting in the senior category, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) from Rabat, Morocco that he felt good appearing for the first time in the senior category, promising that he would not disappoint.
The high jump event which is scheduled for August 30 will feature 15 athletes.
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“Being my first time in the seniors, the feeling is really good, no mixed feelings at all. I hope to jump up to expectations.
“God willing, I’ll surpass my 2:12m that qualified me for the Games. I just need that push from my competitors,” he said.
The Delta indigene debunked the rumour that he made the team and got selected due to the absence of Mike Edward’s who ranked top in high jump in Nigeria.
“My being selected among the team is not as a result of my mentor’s absence, I will say categorically that if he was here, I would still be listed in the team,” he said.
He also attributed his rising performance to his commitment and God’s grace.
“There’s actually no secret to the past improvement on my performance, I mean every athlete trains like I do or even more, it has been God’s grace and state of mind,” he said.
NAN reports that Erhire won a gold medal at the 2019 African U-18 and also at the U-20 championships in Abidjan. (NAN)