TheCable

Emmanuel Ojei on Thursday added to Lagos state’s medal haul at the ongoing 19th National Sports Festival after finishing third in the final of the men’s 400m.

Ojei finished the race in 47.03secs behind winner, Orukpe Erayokan who won gold medal for Rivers in 46.32secs and Akwa Ibom’s Shedrack Akpeki who won silver in 46.78secs.

Speaking after his race, Ojei said he came to the festival to enjoy himself and it was a big plus for him to win a medal.

“While coming to Abuja, I was not thinking of winning any medal,” Ojei told TheCable.

“Even when I got to the final, I decided to execute my race and not to put myself under any pressure. So I am happy winning a medal for my efforts.

“It has been a lot of hard work and total dedication and for God to crown my efforts with a medal, I am very happy.

“I will have to go back now and start proper preparation for the new season as there are a lot of competitions to look forward to in 2019.”

Precious Okoronkwo won the state’s first medal in athletics on the opening day of the festival.

As at Thursday, Lagos had 63 medals; 10 gold, 17 silver and 36 bronze medals.