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Tag: Team Nigeria

  • Team Nigeria’s Olympic dreams fade as Ofili, Oborodudu miss out on medals

    Team Nigeria’s Olympic dreams fade as Ofili, Oborodudu miss out on medals

    Nigeria’s hope of winning its first medal at the ongoing Olympics was dashed following Blessing Oborududu’s defeat in the Women’s Freestyle 67kg bout on Tuesday.

    The Tokyo 2021 Olympics Silver Medallist lost to Japan’s Ozaki Nonaka 3-0.

     

    Another missed opportunity for Nigeria came when Favour Ofili placed fourth in the women’s 200m race at the Stade de France. American Gabrielle Thomas claimed the gold with a dominant performance, finishing in 21.83 seconds.

    Thomas, who took bronze in Tokyo and silver at last year’s world championships, finally achieved her long-promised global title, denying Julien Alfred a sprint double.

  • Paris 2024: History made as Brume, Usoro, Ochonogor qualify for long jump final

    Paris 2024: History made as Brume, Usoro, Ochonogor qualify for long jump final

    There is jubilation in team Nigeria camp following the qualification of three Nigerian women for the final of the Women’s Long Jump event at the ongoing Olympic games in Paris, France.

    The athletes are Ese Brume, who jumped 6.76m, while Ruth Usoro jumped 6.68m and Prestina Ochonogor, 6.65m.

    This is the first time in history that three Nigerian women would be qualifying for the Long Jump final at the Olympics.

    Out of the 12 athletes who will vie for the gold, silver and bronze medals, three of them will be Nigerians.

    Brume, born 20 January, 1996, is the current commonwealth champion and a three-time African senior champion in the long Jump and holds a personal best of 7.17 m (23 ft 6+1⁄4 in).

    She currently holds the commonwealth games record, African junior record and African record in the event.

    Brume’s a two-time medalist at the world athletics championship, an Olympic bronze medalist and also a five-time African junior champion in athletics.

  • Olympics: Nnamdi crashes out in men’s javelin throw

    Olympics: Nnamdi crashes out in men’s javelin throw

    Team Nigeria’s Chinecherem Nnamdi on Tuesday at the Stade de France in Paris failed to cross the first hurdle in the men’s javelin throw event of the 2024 Olympic Games.

    Nnamdi placed 14th among 15 throwers in the Qualification Round Group B to be out of contention for a medal from the event.

    He was rated with his first throw of 77.53 metres, which happened to be his best from the possible three throws.

    Nnamdi who is number 24 on the world rankings failed to get it right with his second throw, and could only throw 76.45 in his third and last attempt.

    The 22-year-old who has a personal and season best 82.80m was definitely out of the league in this competition where 84.00m was set as qualification standard.

    The qualification criteria was for all athletes meeting the qualification standard or at least 12 best performers to advance ti the final.

    ””Yes, I definitely didn’t meet the standard. But there is still room for further improvement on my side.

    ”I will no doubt go on to work on myself to be able to give out more and represent my country better,” Nnamdi told NAN.

    NAN reports however that performance was generally low in the competition, with the best in Group B, Neeraj Chopra, recording 89.34.

    Andreas Thorildsen of Norway holds the event’s Olympic record of 90.57 set at Beijing in August 2008.

    Jan Zelezny of the Chech Republic who threw 98.48 at J3na in May 1996 still holds the world record.

  • Paris 2024: Setbacks, early exits mar Team Nigeria’s Olympic outings

    Paris 2024: Setbacks, early exits mar Team Nigeria’s Olympic outings

    The 2024 Paris Olympics have been a challenging and disappointing journey for Team Nigeria, with numerous early exits and setbacks casting a shadow over their campaign.

     

    From the outset, the Nigerian team faced hurdles. In boxing, Cynthia Ogunsemilore’s provisional suspension for a positive drug test ahead of her opening fight was a significant blow.

    Meanwhile, Olaitan Olaore, the reigning African champion, suffered a crushing 5-0 defeat in the men’s 92kg category, dashing hopes for a medal in the sport.

     

    The table tennis arena, where Nigeria has historically shown promise, proved equally unforgiving. Quadri Aruna, the nation’s and Africa’s top player, lost a tight match 4-3 in the first round. Omotayo Olajide also exited early, losing 4-1. In the women’s singles, Offiong Edem and Fatimo Bello were unable to progress past the first round, both succumbing to 4-0 defeats.

     

    Badminton brought no reprieve as Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori bowed out after losing his first and second group matches. Similarly, the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s football team, ended their Olympic campaign without a single point, having lost all three of their group stage matches.

     

    In swimming, Tobi Sijuade’s third-place finish in the Men’s 50m Freestyle heat with a time of 23.34s was not enough to see him through to the semifinals.

    Young talent Adaku Nwandu, despite a commendable effort, missed out on the Women’s 50m Freestyle final. She finished second in her heat with a time of 26.62 seconds but did not rank among the 16 fastest times needed to advance.

     

    Athletics, another area of high expectation, saw its share of disappointments. Godson Oghenebrume, despite qualifying, was not in the lineup for the Men’s 100m heats.

    Favour Ofili, a strong contender, was ruled out of the Women’s 100m due to an administrative oversight by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). Grace Nwokocha finished 6th in her heat with a time of 11.33 seconds, while Rosemary Chukwuma came in 8th in the Women’s 200m semifinal 2.

     

    Temitope Adeshina’s 9th place finish in Group B of the Women’s High Jump with a jump of 1.88m was not enough to advance to the final.

    The Mixed 4x400m relay team, comprising Samuel Ogazi, Ella Onojuvwevwo, Ifeanyi Ojeli, and Patience Okon-George, set a new national record with a time of 3:11.99 but narrowly missed out on the final, finishing 4th in their heat.

     

    In the field events, the trio of Ashley Anumba, Chioma Onyekwere, and Obiageri Amaechi exited early in the Women’s Discus after the first round.

    Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, despite a strong performance, finished 5th in the Men’s Shot Put final with a throw of 21.42m, falling short of the medal positions.

     

    These collective disappointments have been a tough pill to swallow for Team Nigeria and its supporters.

    The early exits and near misses underscore the challenges faced by the athletes and highlight areas for reflection and improvement.

    However, there is a glimmer of hope for team Nigeria as Medal prospects like Tobi Amusan the World Record holder in 100m hurdles women category and Ese Brume in high Jump are yet to begin their events.

    Moreso, the D’Tigress who showed resilience and fighting spirit in their first game against world number three Australia in their first game are still very much alive in the competition, they will file out against the Canadian Basketball team today for a place in the next round.

    There are still opportunities for team Nigeria to better on their performances of the Tokyo Olympic Games.

  • Edem crashes out as Team Nigeria suffers another loss at Paris Olympics

    Edem crashes out as Team Nigeria suffers another loss at Paris Olympics

    Offiong Edem lost to Brazil’s Bruna Takahashi 4-0 on Sunday to add to Team Nigeria’s losing run at the ongoing Olympic Games in Paris.

    Edem lost 8-11 4-11 11-13 10-12 in her Round of 64 match in the women’s singles event of the table tennis competition.

    Her loss made it the third loss of the day for Team Nigeria, which had earlier lost in boxing and football.

    NAN reports that it was cumulatively Team Nigeria’s sixth loss competitively.

    This was after seeing the Super Falcons lost their opening game 0-1 against Brazil on Thursday in women’s football.

    The duo of Quadri Aruna and Olajide Omotayo also lost in the men’s singles of table tennis on Saturday.

    Fatimo Bello who plays her first game of the women’s singles on Monday is Nigeria’s remaining hope in the singles events of the table tennis competition.

  • Paris 2024: president Tinubu rallies support for team Nigeria at the Olympics

    Paris 2024: president Tinubu rallies support for team Nigeria at the Olympics

    President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian athletes participating in the Paris 2024 Olympics to serve as exemplary ambassadors for their country, extending his well wishes for their success in the competition. His message was delivered in a statement on Friday by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale.

     

    A total of 88 Nigerian athletes, comprising 63 women and 25 men, will compete in 12 sports at the Paris Olympics. “The President assures these bold and courageous ambassadors of his full support and that of over 200 million Nigerians back home, who are praying and cheering for their success,” Ngelale said.

     

    “On behalf of all Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu sends his best wishes to Team Nigeria at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games,” the statement added.

     

    As the Games officially open on Friday, July 26, with the ‘Parade of Nations,’ President Tinubu looks forward to watching the nation’s flagbearer, Ms. Tobi Amusan, the current world record holder in the 100 meters hurdles, and other athletes compete with honor and dedication on the international stage.

     

    The President encourages the athletes to demonstrate the resilience, courage, respect, self-control, and good sportsmanship that Nigerians are known for. He also urges the coaching crew, support staff, and Nigerian spectators attending the Games in Paris to be worthy representatives of the country.

  • Paris 2024: Breakdown of team Nigeria at the Olympics

    Paris 2024: Breakdown of team Nigeria at the Olympics

    The 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony holds today Friday, July 26th, 2024.

    88 Sportsmen and women will be representing Nigeria in different sporting events.

    Starting from Saturday, July 27, 2024.

    Summary: Nigeria at Paris 2024

    Athletics
    18 Men
    18 Women
    (36 total)
    The Athletics event commences on August 1 and runs till the 11th at four venues

    Pont d’léna
    Hotel de Ville
    Les Invalides and
    The Stade de France

    Badminton
    One Male

    Basketball
    12 Ladies (One team, D’Tigress)

    Boxing
    Two males; One female

    Canoeing
    Two females

    Cycling
    One female

    Football
    18 females (Super Falcons)

    Swimming
    One Male
    One female

    Table tennis
    Two Males
    Two females

    Taekwondo
    One female

    Weightlifting
    Two females

    Wrestling
    One Male
    Five females

    Total
    25 males
    63 females

    Total =88 Contingents for Team NIGERIA.

  • Paris 2024: Two Nigerian boxers arrive Olympic village ahead of opening ceremony

    Paris 2024: Two Nigerian boxers arrive Olympic village ahead of opening ceremony

    Two Nigerian boxers, Cynthia Ogunsemilore and Adams Olaore have arrived Paris, France, for the 2024 Olympic Games which will begin on Friday July, 26.

    Both boxers will compete in the male and female category respectively.

    Olaore will compete in the men’s heavyweight (92kg) division, while Ogunsemilore will compete for honours in the women’s (60kg) category.

    The other boxer, Dolapo Omole, a 57kg fighter was forced to withdraw from the games due to an injury sustained in training.

    Olaore and Ogunsemilore will hope to end Nigeria’s 28-year medal drought in boxing.

    It would be recalled that Donkan Dokiwari was the last Nigerian to win a medal at the games.

    Dokiwari claimed bronze in the super heavyweight category at the 1996 Olympic Games.

    The 1996 Olympics have proven to be the best outing for team Nigeria at the Olypics with the team claiming two Gold medal and three bronze medals

  • Paris 2024: How team Nigeria fared in previous Olympic games

    Paris 2024: How team Nigeria fared in previous Olympic games

    Team Nigeria has had a significant history in previous Olympic Games, thus achieving success in several sports over the years.

    The U-23 National team became the first African country to win Olympic Gold Medal in football and it happened in 1996.

    Here are some highlights of  Nigeria’s achievements in recent Olympics:

     

    Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021 due to COVID-19)

    Ese Brume: Bronze medal in women’s long jump.

    Blessing Oborududu: Silver medal in women’s freestyle wrestling (68 kg category). This was Nigeria’s first Olympic medal in wrestling.

     

     Rio 2016

    Men’s Football (Soccer) Bronze medal. The Nigerian men’s team won the bronze by defeating Honduras in the third-place match.

     

    London 2012

    Nigeria did not win any medals in the 2012 Olympics, marking a challenging period for the nation’s Olympic ambitions.

     

    Beijing 2008

    Men’s Football (Soccer) Silver medal. The team reached the final but lost to Argentina.

    Chika Chukwumerije: Bronze medal in taekwondo (men’s +80 kg category).

     

    Athens 2004

    Women’s 4x100m Relay:Bronze medal. The Nigerian team finished third behind Jamaica and Russia.

    Men’s 4x400m Relay: Bronze medal. The Nigerian team was promoted to bronze after the United States team was disqualified for doping violations.

     

    Sydney 2000

    Sunday Bada, Jude Monye, Clement Chukwu, Enefiok Udo-Obong (Men’s 4x400m Relay)**: Silver medal (upgraded to gold in 2008 due to a doping violation by the U.S. team).

    Glory Alozie: Silver medal in women’s 100m hurdles.

     

    Atlanta 1996

    Men’s Football (Soccer): Gold medal. The team made history by becoming the first African team to win the Olympic gold medal in football.

    Chioma Ajunwa: Gold medal in women’s long jump, marking Nigeria’s first Olympic gold in track and field.

    Falilat Ogunkoya: Bronze medal in women’s 400m.

    Duncan Dokiwari: Bronze medal in men’s super heavyweight boxing.

    Nigeria’s achievements, particularly in athletics and football, have been significant, with the country producing numerous world-class athletes and moments of national pride on the global stage.

    Team Nigeria would hope to consolidate on previous performances at the Olympics  in the forthcoming Paris games starting on Friday, July 26.

    Ese Brume, Tobi Amusan Odunayo Adekunroye, Blessing Oborodudu are the major prospects for podium finish in Paris.

  • Paris Olympics: Tinubu approves full budget for Team Nigeria

    Paris Olympics: Tinubu approves full budget for Team Nigeria

    The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh, said on Monday that President Bola Tinubu has approved the entire budget estimate submitted for Nigeria’s participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics.

    Enoh, who did not mention the amount approved, said this on Monday at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, while handing over the Team Nigeria athletes to the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NOC and PCN are expected to take care of the team till the end of the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, in France.

    The Olympics is scheduled to hold between July 26 and Aug. 11, while the Paralympics will hold from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.

    The Minister said that the approval of the entire budget submitted for the Olympics and Paralympics was a sign of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the development of Sports in the country and his resolve to showcase Nigeria’s talents at international events.

    ”Part of what the president of our country has done was to approve the entire budget that was submitted for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

    ”We therefore, have no excuse to fail because we heard stories Olympics after Olympics, where there were request for certain amount of money were made and certain amount were approved.

    ”But in this case, the President has approved the entire budget, so, it is up to us and the athletes to try to reciprocate that gesture and encourage the president to do more

    ”This event, ordinarily is supposed to be hosted by the President and Commander-in-Chief, as the grand patron of sports in Nigeria. It is important that we state this fact and I stand here as the Minister of Sports representing the president.

    ”The President has continued to provide support and it took President Bola Tinubu to conclude things that have lasted over 20 years in the sports sector,” Enoh said.

    According to the minister, there is no better time to surpass our record at previous Olympics especially the 1996 Games where Nigeria won two gold, one silver and two bronze medals.

    ”We must overcome our performance in Atalanta 1996 and we want to do so in a clean way; there is no better time to do so than now.

    ”We promised leadership and to tackle the challenge of anti-doping.
    We try to fulfil the charter of the International Olympics Committee that requires a formal handover of athletes that have qualified for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

    The Minister commended the NOC and the Nigeria Paralympic Committee for qualifying athletes in 12 Olympics and four Paralympics sports respectively for the Paris 2024 Games.

    He said that the athletes have benefited from high calibre coaching and technical support ahead of the games.

    ”Beyond those preparations, our sports men and women were part of the Commonwealth Games in 2022, competed in the African Games and also competed in the various international championships to get to where we are today.

    ”These are part of comprehensive efforts by the Olympic and Paralympic committees as well as the Ministry of Sports Development applying the available resources to make sure that our preparations are tight.

    Enoh said henceforth preparation for the next Olympics and Paralympics would commence immediately after the 2024 Paris Games.

    Also speaking, Chargé d’affaires, French Embassy in Nigeria, Jean François Hasperie, urged the athletes to be good ambassadors of Nigeria while in France.

    ”Tolerance, resilience, discipline are the qualities needed at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

    He urged Team Nigeria to ensure podium finishes in all the sports the country would participate in.

    Habu Gumel, President of NOC, assured the Federal Government that that Team Nigeria would do the country proud at the Games considering the level of preparation and funds already committed to the Games.

    Gumel urged the Federal Government to make budgetary provisions for Olympics preparation on yearly basis to avoid fire brigade approach.

    NAN reports that sports wear for Team Nigeria, specifically designed for the 2024 Paris Games, was unveiled at the event which saw sports administrators and Olympics-bound athletes in attendance.