Despite the disappointing performances of Nigerian athletes at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics, Sports Minister Senator John Owan Enoh maintains optimism that the nation will not return empty-handed.
Leading up to the track and field events, Team Nigeria had only secured one victory in 14 matches, achieved by the women’s basketball team against Australia.
In a bid to turn the tide, the Sports Minister has issued a spirited call-to-action to Nigerian athletes, urging them to persist and exhibit their talents and tenacity in the true spirit of Nigerian sportsmanship.
Emphasizing the significance of resilience and determination in the face of these challenging events, Sen. Enoh expressed his confidence in the athletes’ potentials to secure medals, given the unwavering support they have gained.
“We take pride in each athlete representing Nigeria. You carry the aspirations and ambitions of the nation, and we stand firmly beside you as you strive for greatness. Let the world witness the fortitude and resolve of Nigerians,” he affirmed.
The Nigerian athletes encountered setbacks in the track and field events on Friday, as the nation’s hope of crowning its first woman to qualify for the final in the high jump dimmed early at the Stade de France. High jumper Temitope Adeshina failed to clear the 1.97m qualification mark set for the event, falling short of the top 12 competitors progressing to the finals.
Adeshina, who had previously set a Nigerian record of 1.97m in the event less than two months ago, struggled to surpass 1.92m after successfully clearing 1.88m on her second attempt, ultimately finishing 19th in the final standings. She now joins Doreen Amata as the two Nigerians who have participated in the event without achieving the height required to secure a spot in the finals. Amata’s attempts in the event in 2008, 2012, and 2016 did not match her feat at the World Championships in 2011, where she reached the final in Daegu, South Korea.
Prior to Adeshina’s setback, sprinter Tima Godbless stumbled at the initial hurdle in the 100m semifinal.
As the 2024 Paris Olympic Games enters its 12th day, Team Nigeria is set to compete in a series of exciting events across athletics, wrestling, cycling, and basketball. Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress will face the USA in a thrilling quarterfinal matchup, while Samuel Ogazi will attempt to win a medal in the men’s 400m final event.
Also, queen of the tracks, Oluwatibiloba Amusan will compete in heat 1 of the women’s 100m hurdles, as she attempts to win her first Olympic medal.
Kehinde Ajayi (Mrs)
Director (Information and PR)
FMSD
