United States-based young Nigerian 100m hurdler, Divine Bamgboye, who is among athletes competing in the ongoing CAA African U18/U20 Championship in Abeokuta, Ogun State, says she is motivated by the achievements of world record holder, Tobiloba Amusan, in the event.

“I have never met Tobi Amusan, but she is very motivating and I want to take and even exceed her record,” Bamgboye told The Guardian at the Media Centre of MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.

The championships in Abeokuta is the first major international competition for Bamgboye since the beginning of her athletics career in 2021.

“I started athletics four years ago, and my coach wanted me to do hurdles,” she said. “And for three years now, I have been enjoying it. This championships holding in my country is also an avenue to meet fellow competitors from other countries.

Like Amusan, the 18-year-old Bamgboye also hails from Ogun State.

She said: “Yes, It has been really good, everybody is really good in the camp, I aim to win gold. On a personal note, winning gold for Nigeria would be a major accomplishment for me and I love to make the country proud.

Bamgboye, who is competing in the U-20 category, advised other athletes to put in their best for members of their family, friends and also make the nation proud.

Bamgboye commended both the chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko and Director General, Bukola Olopade for their efforts in preparing Nigerian athletes for the championships.