OLYMPIC GAMES 2024: Sports Minister Applauds Rosemary, Enekwechi on Semifinal and Final Spots
… Urges Godbless, 4x400m mixed team, others, to learn from Paris outing
Oru Leonard
The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has applauded Nigeria’s athletes for their performances at the ongoing 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Rosemary Chukwuma secured her place in the semifinals of the women’s 100m by finishing third in her heat with a time of 11.26 seconds.
Also, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi has qualified for the men’s Shot Put final for the second consecutive Olympic Games.
He achieved a best throw of 21.13 meters, placing fifth in Group B and ninth overall in the qualification round. This marks a significant achievement for Enekwechi, who continues to demonstrate his prowess on the international stage.
Senator Enoh praised their performances, stating, “Our athletes have shown great resilience and dedication. We are proud of their efforts and look forward to more success as the competition progresses.”
The Nigerian quartet of Samuel Ogazi, Ella Onojuvwevwo, Emmanuel Ifeanyi Ojeli, and Patience Okon-George also put in a commendable performance in the Mixed 4x400m relay. They narrowly missed out on a place in the final, finishing fourth in their heat with a new Nigerian Record of 3:11.99. Despite not making it to the final, they ran a brilliant race against strong competitors, with Great Britain winning in a National Record of 3:10.61, followed by the Netherlands and Italy.
Despite a strong start, Olympic debutant Tima Godbless placed sixth in her heat, clocking in at 11.33 seconds.
In the women’s Discus qualification Group A, Ashley Anumba made her Olympic debut, throwing a mark of 58.83 meters to finish 14th in her group. Although she did not advance to the final, Anumba’s participation was a significant milestone in her career.
Prior to the start of the athletics events, Minister Enoh emphasized the importance of resilience and determination as the athletes compete in these crucial events. He encouraged the athletes to “fight till the very end” for every top spot possible, highlighting the importance of resilience and determination.
Day 1 of track and field promises to be an exciting display of athletic prowess, with several Nigerian athletes set to compete at the iconic Stade de France. The lineup includes:
**ATHLETICS (Stade de France)**
– Women’s High Jump Qualification: Temitope Simbiat Adeshina
– Women’s 100m Round 1: Rosemary Chukwuma, Tima Godbless
– **Women’s Discus Throw Qualification Group A:
Ashley Anumba
– 4 x 400m Relay Mixed Round 1:**
Team Nigeria
– Men’s Shot Put Qualification:
Chukwuebuka Cornnell Enekwechi
– Women’s Discus Throw Qualification Group B: Chioma Onyekwere, Obiageri Pamela Amaechi
“Our athletes have trained tirelessly and are now on the cusp of making history. I encourage each of them to give their all, to fight for every position, and to showcase the true spirit of Nigerian sportsmanship,” the Minister said.
He also expressed confidence in the athletes’ abilities and the support they have received.
“We are proud of every athlete representing Nigeria. You carry the hopes and dreams of our nation, and we stand behind you as you strive for excellence. Let the world see the strength and resilience of Nigeria,” he added.
(Diana-Mary Nsan, S.A. Media To HMSD)
