Thursday, July 25, 2024. Only one day before the Paris Olympics is about to be inaugurated. These have already commenced with the match between Super Falcons and Brazil. The Nigerian athletics team is in Paris, and their Instagram stories are indicative of the excitement on the Team Bus. This follows weeks of rigorous training sessions in Germany, led by 100m hurdles world record holder Tobi Amusan.
Making a return to the Olympic stage among this team is Usheoritse Itsekiri who was first in Tokyo three years. Itsekiri, like all his teammates are delighted to be involved in these games. He goes head-to-head with Kayinsola Ajayi, Akintola Alaba, Favour Ashe and Oghenebrume Godson. “We are going for gold. As much gold as we can get. As individuals and collectively, we are a good team. The team spirit is high. No doubt, we are having a trial on this case which must not be missed,” Itsekiri said excitedly.
What few do know, however is that Itsekiri could have been a star on the wing for the Super Eagles had retired multiple Africa Games champion over 400m Endurance Ojokolo not convinced him to give up football and take up running. I used to be quite fast on the pitch. I knew I was at a good level when I met Ms. Ojokolo but not that fast! She taught me, and the rest is Herstory.” Registered from Delta State, South Nigeria the unrepentant Real Madrid supporter stated that playing as a number seven during his football days was part of his lifestyle owing it Jay-Jay Okocha and Ronaldinho.
His sporting inspiration in athletics comes from Usain Bolt and, for his career to date over 200m – the distance at which reigning Olympic champion Andre de Grasse will seek compete again this summer. He then relocated to Canada earlier this year ahead of the 2021 season, and is currently based. During the day, Itsekiri pursues his career as an electrical engineer and is usually tied up with workouts in the evening leaving little time to deal with other activities. “I hardly have free time. As I work of the day… when home only can train or rest. I therefore, get a hardly little amount of free time. Even then he manages to meditate, pray and spend time with his family
Itsekiri opens up about the spiritual well of gospel songs. When he feels down, he listens to Hillsong Worship and get back up. I love music but my way is listening to it, I have a happy playlist. I supplicate and ponder over my life.
Grateful for his family’s support, Itsekiri, whose personal best is 10.02 seconds, married a songwriter and musician named Toju who had been his girlfriend for long. “My family supports me; they pray for me. They motivate me, and I do everything I do for them.”
He has no plans after Paris for his career really; he just wants to think of that then. The current African champion in relays holds the strong belief in Philippians 4:11–13 and relies on Jesus as a guide. “I don’t know much after this. I am just taking it one step at a time. I want to achieve my targets here in Paris, and then the rest will follow.”
As we discuss his thoughts about the meet Itsekiri confidently declares, “In my opinion Noah Lyles is miles ahead of anyone else in the 200m”. That’s up to him.” The American sprinter hopes to compete in no less than three events.
We wind up our talk with Itsekiri expressing his wish of exploring Paris before opening ceremony commences. For Nigerians back home he says, “Please keep praying for us because we have so much energy as a team and hopefully we can bring home any medal.”
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings