While assessing his medal prospect at the continental showpiece, the Edo State born athlete stated confidently that he will be throwing for gold.

He hinged his confidence on the pre-championship camping put together by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), and the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC).

Shakamomodu reiterated that the early preparation facilitated by the AFN and NSC has helped him improve immensely.

He assured his teeming fans that he will replicate his good form in training at the Games proper.

“Camping has been great so far. The Federation is giving us the very best. Training has been going seamless and I’ve been putting in my best.

“Hopefully, I’ll make Nigeria proud, in Abeokuta. I’m nervous but again, I’ll need to put in all I got, my best,” he added.

Audu who came second in the male category with a distance of 15.7 meters, was disappointed by his performance during the National Trials, stating that he has something cooking for the African athletics showpiece.

“I was supposed to execute like I did in training, like repeat the same thing but it didn’t turn out that way. I came out second with 15.7 meters. My personal best with six kg is 18 meters but I fell short of that,” he narrated.

He was also praised for the Edo State Government for sponsoring Edo State athletes to the trials.

“During the trials Edo State assisted us in transportation. They arranged our transport to Ogun State, gave us accommodation for the trials and helped us with feeding,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the reigning champions, South Africa, have expressed readiness to defend their title when hostilities begin in Abeokuta.

The South Africans are banking their hopes on the caliber of young and talented athletes that will represent them at the championships.

From the maiden CAA U-18/U-20 Championships in Cote d’Ivoire in 2019, South Africa have continued to overcome strong competitions from Nigeria and Kenya in both categories.

However, the countries that have continued to play second fiddle are optimistic of ending the dominance of the South Africans in Abeokuta.

Athletics South Africa, parading world junior champion in the men’s 100m Bayanda Walaza, Njabulo Mbatha 400mh, Tumi Ramokgopa women’s 100m is determined to maintain their dominance.