Paris Olympics: Sports Minister Urges Athletes to Aim for Podium
The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh, has urged Nigerian athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics to strive for podium finishes in their events.
This call to action was made in a statement released by Diana-Mary Nsan, the minister’s Special Adviser on Media, on Saturday.
The minister encouraged all participants to embody resilience and determination, representing Nigeria with pride and excellence.
Enoh applauded Kanyinsola Ajayi and Favour Ashe for their outstanding performances on Saturday.
Ajayi, a national champion, delivered a standout performance in heat five, defeating reigning Olympic Champion Marcell Jacobs with a winning time of 10.02 seconds. Jacobs finished second with 10.05 seconds, and Abdul Rasheed Saminu came third in 10.06 seconds.
Ashe secured a semifinal spot by placing fourth in heat four with a time of 10.16 seconds, behind Oblique Seville (9.99s), Hakim Sani Brown (10.02s), and Puripol Boonson (10.13s).
The minister praised both athletes for rising to the challenge and encouraged them to aim for further success in the semifinals and final on Sunday evening.
“It is important for them to maintain resilience and focus as they compete on the global stage,” Enoh stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also reported that 16-year-old Nigerian swimmer Adaku Nwandu narrowly missed qualifying
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