Team Nigeria’s Ese Brume, Ruth Usoro, and Prestina Ochonogor have made history by qualifying for the women’s long jump final at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. This is the first time three Nigerian athletes will compete in the long jump final at the Olympics.
These talented athletes will face nine other competitors as they aim for medals in the final, set for Wednesday, August 7.
Brume secured her spot with an outstanding leap of 6.76m, surpassing the automatic qualifying mark. Usoro showcased her skills with a jump of 6.68m, while Ochonogor claimed her place with an impressive 6.65m. Their remarkable performances have set the stage for an exciting and competitive final.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Abdul, president of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), has encouraged the Nigerian lifters at the 2024 Olympics to aim for gold. The weightlifting events start today, August 6, with Team Nigeria represented by two female lifters.
Rafiatu Folashade Lawal will compete in the 59kg class, and Joy Ọgbonne Eze will contend in the 71kg category. Their participation aims to enhance Nigeria’s weightlifting legacy, building on previous Olympic successes of a silver and a bronze medal in 2000 and 2008, respectively.
Abdul expressed his satisfaction with the athletes’ progress, praising their dedication and resilience during the qualifying series. “We are proud of what we have achieved so far. Our athletes have withstood the rigour and pressure to reach their first Olympic Games,” Abdul said in Abuja.
He continued, “They are now competing among the world’s best. I told them to fear no foe. Everyone is beatable. Today, I reinforce that statement and urge them to compete firmly and fairly. We have provided all necessary support, including regular doping tests during their training camp.”
