Idiata in confident mood

Idiata, a younger brother of the former African champion, Tony, who is now based in Europe, told nigeriasport.com Abuja this afternoon that he has worked hard enough to make the required 2.27 metres mark.

The 21-year old, who was the cynosure of all including the world champion, Janvier Sotomayer while on training tour of Cuba for the recent 8th All Africa Games, said he has received lots of tutorial from the Cuban world champion in high jump.

“Since I left Cuba after the training tour, Sotomayer has been reaching me through internet, and he has been very wonderful. I will use all the tactics he has taught me to improve and surprise the world that Nigeria can produce another Sotomayer. Even if I cannot meet his mark now, I will train hard to equal it and improve on it” ambitious Sampson told nigeriasports.com in Abuja.

The Edo State-born jumper, who was not satisfy with the bronze medal he won at the 8th All Africa Games; his first ever major international outing, said he has been on and off the country in his determined bid to join the international house hold name in the event.

“Recently I was in Germany where I competed in just one major event and I was able to make my presence known among the class ‘A’ high jumpers.

Report by Fideli Ebu in Abuja