Tobi Amusan, the world record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, has been selected as Nigeria’s flag-bearer for the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics. This appointment marks a significant milestone for Amusan and Nigeria, as she will be the first athlete to carry the national flag at the Olympics in 20 years, following in the footsteps of Mary Onyali.
The announcement was made by the Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Sport. Anuoluwapo Opeyori, an experienced badminton player representing Nigeria since 2017, has been appointed as the general captain of Team Nigeria’s contingent for the Paris Games.
Amusan, considered one of Nigeria’s top medal hopefuls in Paris, has been in impressive form this year. Earlier in 2024, she set a world-leading time of 12.40 seconds in the 100m hurdles, narrowly beating two-time world champion Danielle Williams of Jamaica.
Opeyori, the 26-year-old badminton player, has a strong track record of success. He won the African Championships and African Games singles events in 2019 and also competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. As the general team captain, Opeyori will provide leadership and guidance to the Nigerian team, drawing on his international experience to inspire his teammates to achieve their best results.
The decision to appoint Amusan and Opeyori to these prestigious positions reflects the high expectations Nigeria has for its athletes at the upcoming Olympic Games. Both individuals have proven their capabilities on the global stage and are poised to lead Nigeria’s quest for glory in Paris.
Tobi Amusan has been named as Nigeria’s flagbearer for the opening ceremony of #Paris2024 #Olympics – she becomes the first athlete from Athletics in 20yrs, since Mary Onyali at the Athens 2004 Games, to have such honours.
In another appointment, the Nigerian Olympic committee… pic.twitter.com/q12wCk9dZt
— Making of Champions (@MakingOfChamps) July 23, 2024
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