Yomi Omogbeja (08/07/2005)

Nigeria's reigning 100 metres champion Tamunosiki Atoribido is out of the team to the 10th IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Helsinki.

The Mobil/NNPC/Nigeria Track & Field defending sprints champion pulled out halfway through his second round heats at the trials with a hamstring injury.

Tamunosiki, who surprisingly won the title last year with a stunning 10.08 seconds, has been plaqued by injuries all season and only managed a 10.40 seconds season's best this year.

He's now hoping to get better before the expected final selection trial for the 2006 Commonwealth games in Melbourne, Australia next year.

"I came home with all the hope to retain my title, but I couldn't due to the injury. But this isn't the end of the road for me," Tamunosiki said.

"I know I am in better shape than last year, but what would one do - 'as man proposes, God disposes'.

"My plans now is to stay back in Nigeria to get my injury treated and when I am done, get back to track again," he added.