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The Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has urged Nigerians to support Nigerian athletes participating in the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics.
He expressed pride in the achievements of the athletes, particularly the D'Tigress basketball team and other individual athletes, and called for continued support and encouragement as they strive for success.
According to a post on his X account on Thursday, he said, “Our athletes are giving their best and making us proud.
He said, "D’Tigress made the nation proud, and there’s no shame in losing to the world’s number 1 ranked team. They struck a high note and made a statement even at the quarterfinal match with 74 – 88.
“The first African team ever to get to the quarter-finals, they have moved four ranks up on the power ranking table. We are proud of them. Their games have been spectacular.
“Ese Ukpeseraye was the only African cyclist amongst the 30 cyclists at the Olympics. Uchenna Ogazi, after 36 years, made the finals of the men’s 400m race, and Favour Ofili had a good run and has shown great dexterity. Let’s keep rooting for our athletes.”
Similarly, in a statement issued by the Director of Information, Ministry of Sports Development, Kehinde Ajayi, and obtained from the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation’s X account on Wednesday, the minister urged Nigerian athletes to persist and exhibit their talents and tenacity in the true spirit of Nigerian sportsmanship.
Emphasising the significance of resilience and determination in the face of the challenging events, Enoh expressed his confidence in the athletes’ potential 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 faced setbacks in track and field events on Friday, as the nation's hope of having its first woman qualify for the high jump final was dashed early at the Stade de France. High jumper Temitope Adeshina failed to clear the 1.97m qualification mark, finishing 19th. Sprinter Tima Godbless also stumbled in the 100m semifinal.
However, Team Nigeria is set to compete in various exciting events, including the women's basketball quarterfinal against the USA, the men's 400m final, and the women's 100m hurdles, where Oluwatibiloba Amusan will aim for her first Olympic medal.
