As anticipation builds for the final of the U-20 Girls’ 100m Hurdles at the ongoing Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U18/U20 Championships in Abeokuta, US-based Nigerian hurdler Divine Bamgboye has declared her readiness to shine and make a statement on home soil.
Bamgboye, who recently graduated from Urbana High School in the United States, says she is fueled by passion, purpose, and a fierce determination to win — and gold is the only colour on her mind.
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“I expect to win gold. It’s nerve-racking — I feel very nervous, but I’m very optimistic. I think I can do it, I think it’s within reach,” the confident 18-year-old said on Thursday, ahead of Friday’s final.
The Abeokuta-born hurdler has spent the last three weeks in intense training and says she is inspired not just by her love for the sport but by her family’s unwavering support and her deep-rooted Nigerian identity.
“I love hurdles. Ever since I tried out the sport, everything has been going great for me. Athletics was my first love, and though I tried other sports, I didn’t enjoy them the same way,” she shared.
Proud of her Nigerian heritage, Divine is also a fan of local cuisine and fashion, and she praised the organisers for the stylish new Puma kits, saying the outfit perfectly matches her energy and confidence heading into the final.
“I love the new Puma kit a lot — it’s really nice and I like the colours too. It fits my style and it’s definitely going to play a role in boosting my performance,” she added with a smile.
She also applauded the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC), the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), and the Ogun State Sports Commission for hosting what she described as a well-organised championship.
With the eyes of the continent set on Abeokuta, Divine Bamgboye is ready to seize her moment — with speed in her legs, confidence in her voice, and the finish line in sight.
“Just watch out. I’m going to let it all out on the track,” she vowed
