So, with the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on the horizon, one direction is clear: the most rampant flowers blooming in the Land are all women and the Nigerian Olympic team is no exception. At the Rio Olympics, more than 72% of Nigeria's 87 participants were female.
Major female athletes participating is growing rapidly both in number and quality. Old-timers remember when there might only be one or two entrants, if any female at all. But those days are gone forever.
Women, not just putting on a good face while holding the torch, are also much more deeply involved on this occasion. If Nigeria is to succeed in the medals tables, this change towards women's events may in time be just as important an element.
Here are five women who will be among the standouts in Paris and are leading contenders for a record four or more medals from Nigeria.
Tobi Amusan: Hurdles Hope
Tobi Amusan is set to become one of Nigeria's brightest stars at the 2024 Olympics. This 27-year-old hurdler has been a standout in track and field. She has a world record in women's 100-meter hurdles, and her time is an astounding 12.12 seconds, set just two years ago in 2022. Although it’s still early, she seems to be in top form: her season's best is 12.40 seconds.
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Amusan has had her ups and downs up to now. She failed to win a medal in Tokyo but bounced back fiercely after the setback. Tobi Amusan’s top form and world record can make her a strong bet in a Paris Olympics Betting Guide. With her recent CAS clearance and smooth technique, she’s primed for a standout performance.
Ese Brume: Long Jump Leader
Ese Brume has ascended the ranks of Nigeria's top long jumpers. The 28-year-old, talented in unceasingly upgrading this level, is a formidable figure in soap awards from both the African Games and Commonwealth Games. Her personal best, 7.17 meters, was established on July 10 of this year.
Brume's ascension to the top started in 2013 when she came out of the African Junior Championships with nothing less than a silver medal. Since then, she has won many medals at major events such as Africa Championship meetings and World Indoor Championships.
Blessing Oborududu: Wrestling’s Elite
Blessing Oborudodu is a 35-year-old giant figure in African wrestling and a crucial medal hope for Nigeria, among other hopefuls.
As a wrestler, she has had a distinguished career. It is also her strongest point in sports. Oborududu’s prowess on the mat in the 68 kg class is undeniable: she was the 2024 Seniors African and Oceania OG Qualifier.
Oborududu’s strength lies both in her technical skills and her sparring ability. Ranked 6th worldwide, she has been at the top consistently. Her previous successful performances and current form suggest she could also achieve something significant in Paris this autumn.
Odunayo Adekuoroye: Rising Wrestling Star
Wrestler Odunayo, the youngest Nigerian wrestler, has a promising future ahead at the Olympics. The 31-year-old has been an integral part of international wrestling for the past ten years and just keeps adding titles to her already bulging list.
She has claimed a national title in artistic wrestling and won multiple gold medals at the World African Championships and Commonwealth Games.
She’s had an Olympic medal goal throughout her wrestling career, and winning gold at the Poland Open Ranking Series in 2024 just goes to show how close she is to doing it before we get to Paris.
She is the second-ranked wrestler in the Women’s 57 kg category and, with her technical skill and determination, is still very much in with a chance of winning a medal.
Rafiatu Lawal: Weightlifting’s New Star
Among the 2024 Nigerian Olympic team is Rafiatu Lawal. She is becoming increasingly significant in the sport of weightlifting. In various venues, including the African Championships and the Commonwealth Games, the 27-year-old girl has exhibited her might and artistry. Lawal completed more than 227 kg; she is among the best weightlifters in the world.
She set records for snatch, clean and jerk lifts at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, giving herself the true rise she deserves. With ninth place in the rankings, Lawal seems likely to rebound. After all, her past performances suggest she can still win Olympic gold.
As Lawal fine-tunes her technique and strategy, she has a decent chance of making the podium in Paris.
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