Sports

Samuel Ogazi Qualifies for 400m Final at Paris 2024 Olympics, breaks 36-year Record

Published

2 years ago

August 6, 2024

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria’s Samuel Ogazi has made history on Tuesday evening by becoming the first Nigerian athlete in 36 years to qualify for the men’s 400m final at the Olympic Games, following in the footsteps of the legendary Innocent Egbunike.

Ogazi delivered an outstanding performance, clocking a new personal best of 44.41 seconds to finish third in heat 3 of the 400m semifinals, thereby securing his spot in the final.

This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone for Nigerian athletics, as Ogazi’s qualification for the final brings pride and hope to the nation. His determination and hard work have been evident throughout the competition, and he is now set to compete for Olympic glory in the final.

In other Olympic action, Nigeria’s Ayomide Bello and Beauty Otuedo will compete in Final B of the women’s Canoe Doubles 500m event. The duo showed commendable effort in their quarterfinal heat, finishing fifth with a time of 2:07.86. Their participation in the final is a testament to their dedication and skill in the sport of canoeing.

As the Olympic Games continue, Team Nigeria remains focused and determined to showcase their talents on the world stage. The country looks forward to more outstanding performances and potential podium finishes from its athletes.

The Nigerian Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, expressed his pride and encouragement for the athletes, stating, “I congratulate Samuel Ogazi for his historic achievement in reaching the 400m final, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished by a Nigerian in 36 years. His performance is a testament to his dedication and the potential of our athletes.”

“I also commend Ayomide Bello and Beauty Otuedo for their strong showing in canoeing. Our athletes are representing Nigeria with great honor and skill, and I urge them to stay focused and give their best as they compete in these final stages. The entire nation is behind you, and we are confident you will make us proud.”

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Sports

AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja

Published

6 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.

Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.

The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.

As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.

The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.

The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.

With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.

Africa is coming to Abuja.

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