3) Divine Oduduru vs Tega Odele
A rivalry carries more substance especially if it is between two friends. In this instance, one need not go far as Divine Oduduru and Tega Odele provide us with such scenario, these are two athletes who have a strong bond, a relationship that stretches outside the track. They occasionally train together at the University of Benin.
At the National trials in Warri last year, Odele stunned the field to win the men’s 200m in a 20.47s. That performance earned him a place in the Nigerian team to the World Championships, and he was one of only three male athletes Nigeria took to Beijing. The other two: Tosin Oke and Miles Ukaoma.
Some argue that Odele excelled at the Championships because Oduduru was absent following an illness. Maybe true, maybe not, but the wheels of their rivalry have already swung into motion. Odele while speaking to us after his victory in Warri, said he missed racing against Oduduru, talking about their relationship and wished him a speedy recovery.
So, who will outrun each other this year? Interestingly both have the same PB of 20.45s in the 200m, a feat they both achieved at the 2015 African Games in Congo Brazzaville.
During the qualification rounds in the men’s 200m in Brazzaville, Odele came through with one of the fastest times (20.45s). Oduduru on his part took notice and saved his best for the last, matching that time in the final to win Silver as Odele clocked 20.58s to settle for Bronze.
No doubt that as they surged through their lanes to the finish line, not only did they have medals in their sight; they also gazed at crossing before the other.
They might be buddies, have been roommates on many occasions on national duty, but when they step out on the track to race against themselves, they will definitely be individuals.
