By Victor Kanayo
With 72 hours away from the 2024 Olympics kick-off, World Record Holder Tobi Amusan has been picked as Nigeria’s flag-bearer at the Games in Paris, France.
This was disclosed in a statement sent to Heritage Times HT by the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) on Monday morning In Abuja.
According to the statement, the appointment of Amusan is part of Team Nigeria’s key decisions ahead of the Games’ opener on July 26.
The statement also revealed that Anuoluwapo Opeyori, a ranking Badminton player, will take on the role of the General Team Captain.
Opeyori is rated Africa’s number one Badminton player.
“As the General Team Captain, Opeyori will play a crucial role in providing leadership and guidance to the Nigerian team contingent in Paris, 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 the country has for its athletes at the upcoming Olympic Games.
“Both individuals have proven their mettle on the global stage and are poised to lead Nigeria’s charge for glory in Paris,” a statement by the NOC spokesman Tony Nezianya said.
Amusan, the reigning world champion in the 100m hurdles, will be one of Nigeria’s brightest medal prospects in Paris.
Earlier this year, Amusan set a world-leading time of 12.40 seconds (with a 0.9m/s wind), highlighting her impressive form heading into the Olympics.
She narrowly edged out two-time world champion Danielle Williams of Jamaica, who finished second with a time of 12.46 seconds.
Opeyori, on the other hand, is an experienced badminton player who has been representing Nigeria since 2017.
The 26-year-old won the African Championships and African Games in the singles event in 2019.
He also competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
