Two athletes with Nigerian roots, Salwa Eid Naser and Rashidat Adeleke, made their mark in the 400m semi-finals at the Paris championships. Salwa Eid Naser, representing Bahrain, won Heat 1 with a season’s best time of 49.08s.
Born in Onitsha, Anambra State, to a Nigerian mother and Bahraini father, Salwa’s coach, John Obeya, a Nigerian, attributed his decision to coach in Bahrain to seeking better opportunities.
Rashidat Adeleke, competing for Ireland, secured the second automatic spot in the final with a time of 49.95s. Born in Dublin to parents from Oyo State, Rashidat is Ireland’s national champion and poised to make her adopted country proud at the Olympics.
Once again, Nigerians demonstrate exceptional talent, leaving many to wonder what could be achieved with more support and opportunities in their home country.”