NIGERIAN sprint queen Blessing Okagbare has revealed that she pulled out of the 200 metres race at the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Beijing because she was suffering from a hamstring injury. 

Earlier this week, Okagbare participated in the women's 100 metres race but it was obvious she was in poor form as she came eighth, showing none of the recent brilliance for which she has become known. When Okagbare failed to show up for the 200 metres, questions were asked as to why she was absent, with some commentators fearing that she may have even failed a dope test. 

Clearing the air, however, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has stated that Okagbare is suffering from a hamstring injury and is currently receiving treatment. Hopes had been high that Okagbare would bounce back strongly in the 200 metres event having failed to meet mounting expectations in the 100 metres. 

An AFN spokesman said: “Blessing had a hamstring injury as she was focused on doing well in the 200m and her warm-up was okay but she developed a hamstring injury. Nevertheless, she is expected to make a recovery in time to compete for Team Nigeria in the women’s 4x100m relay.” 

“After an 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.” 

Okagbare is now in a race against time as the 4x100m event starts on Saturday. Gabriel Okon, the head coach of Team Nigeria in Beijing, said she had to withdraw from the race but some other sources in China suggest she was not prepared for the event. 

Before the All Nigeria Athletics Championships held in Warri, Okagbare, went for surgery but was certified fit for the World Championships. Some commentators fear the injury probably recurred because of the rounds she did in the 100 metres