Sports

Nigeria Set For Second Consecutive Winter Olympic Games.

Published

3 years ago

January 26, 2022

Nigeria will be attending its second winter Olympics in Beijing with an athlete after making its debut in 2018 at the Pyeongyang, South Korea, Winter Olympics.

For the first time in history, Nigeria will field a cross-country skier named Samuel Ikpefan at the forthcoming Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

Ikpefan, born in Annemasse in the French Alps and activated his dual nationality switch in 2016 will be the first Nigerian skier to qualify for the Olympics and the first male athlete to make the Games.

In similar vein, Dr. Seun Adigun will be contesting into the IOC Athletes’ Commission at the Games.

In 2018, she made history with Nigeria at a historic outing in Pyeongchang, South Korea, during the Winter Olympics Games where she earned the status of Africa’s first summer and winter Olympian. Adigun’s quest for the IOC Athletes’ Commission has received huge support from the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).

While speaking, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel said he is highly elated that Nigeria’s flag will once again be hoisted at the winter Olympics having made its debut in Pyeongyang, South Korea.

He congratulated the athlete and advised him to compete genuinely with the aim of finishing on the podium while wishing Seun Adigun success in her election. He also poured encomiums on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Chinese government for holding their own in organising the Winter Olympic Games at this critical period in our life time.

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Sports

Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju Emerges NAWIS Representative on AFN Board

Published

3 hours ago

June 9, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Renowned former Nigerian sprinter Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju has been elected as the Nigeria Association for Women in Sports (NAWIS) representative on the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Her emergence followed a transparent electoral process conducted by NAWIS on Monday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Olukoju secured 30 votes out of 45, defeating her sole opponent, Dr. Nneka Anibeze, who polled 15 votes.

The election aligns with the revised AFN constitution, which reserves a dedicated seat on the board for a women-in-sports representative.

A trailblazer in Nigerian athletics, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju brings a wealth of experience to her new role. A former Olympian and African champion, she is best remembered for her record-breaking performances in the 400 metres and her pivotal role in Nigeria’s relay teams during the 1990s.

Her appointment is expected to bolster advocacy for gender inclusion, athlete welfare, and grassroots development within the federation.

In her acceptance speech, Olukoju expressed heartfelt gratitude for the trust placed in her by NAWIS members, pledging to work tirelessly to promote the interests of women in sports.

“Once again, I want to thank our founder and the NAWIS EXCO leadership. Leadership isn’t about how far you advance yourself—it’s about how far you can advance others,” she said.“If you’re not passing on what you’ve learned and experienced to those you lead, you’re not setting yourself up for lasting success. Leaders are meant to serve others.”

She also emphasized her readiness to take on the responsibility, regardless of her location.

“Thank God I have good health and stamina. I’m ready to contribute positively to the growth of sports in Nigeria, especially women in sports.

“Let me remind you that I have always answered the call to serve Nigeria, no matter where I lived at the time.

“I am ready to serve again in this new capacity, and distance will never stand in the way. I will always be physically present to carry out this great responsibility whenever necessary.”

With her appointment, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju is set to be a powerful voice on the AFN board—representing women, championing development, and shaping a stronger future for Nigerian athletics.

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