Abdul-Rasheed Saminu Focused Amid Home Crowd Expectations at African Championships
Ghanaian sprinter Abdul-Rasheed Saminu says experience from competing on the biggest stage in athletics is helping him remain composed as he races in front of home supporters at the ongoing African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra.
The Ghanaian speedster, who successfully booked a place in the men’s 100m semi-finals on Tuesday, admitted that competing in front of a home crowd comes with excitement, but stressed the importance of staying measured throughout the competition.
“This is just the African Championships. I’ve run at the Olympics before, so I need to take my time competing on home soil,” Saminu said.
The sprinter is among Ghana’s leading medal hopefuls at the championship being staged at the University of Ghana Stadium.
Saminu progressed from the heats after finishing second in his race behind Chidera Ezeakor of Nigeria, joining compatriots Joseph Paul Amoah and Edwin Gadayi in the semi-finals.
Having previously represented Ghana at the Olympic Games, Saminu believes patience and focus will be crucial as he targets a place in the final and potentially a podium finish.
The championships continue this week with several Ghanaian athletes expected to compete across multiple events in front of enthusiastic local supporters.
