Sports
Samuel Ogazi Qualifies for 400m Final at Paris 2024 Olympics, breaks 36-year Record
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.”
Basketball
WESIE League Set to Transform Basketball and Ignite Investor Interest in Sports, Says Founder Funke Adeniji
Funke A. Adeniji, the visionary founder of the Women’s Elite Sports Empowerment Initiative (WESIE), announced that the WESIE Basketball League, a groundbreaking endeavor designed to reimagine basketball in Nigeria and attract increased business investment in sports.
Speaking on the sidelines of the league’s kickoff, Adeniji emphasized that the initiative is more than just a competition—it’s a platform aimed at elevating the visibility and commercial appeal of sports, particularly for women athletes.
“This is the first basketball league of its kind in Nigeria, featuring women’s teams across 15 states,” Adeniji explained. “Every weekend for the next six weeks, fans will see teams battle it out in a home-and-away format, bringing an international-standard experience to audiences nationwide.”
The league, exclusively for players over 18, is rooted in addressing gender disparities in sports. By providing elite female athletes with equal opportunities, WESIE hopes to drive greater recognition, paving the way for enhanced visibility on national and global stages.
“This isn’t just about competition; it’s about transforming the sports landscape to inspire businesses to support and invest in women’s sports, amplifying their market reach and social impact,” Adeniji stated.
The inaugural weekend saw thrilling matchups across seven games, delivering powerful performances and a taste of the excitement to come. Victoria Queens defeated Hope Dreams 52-37, while Life League secured a victory over Book and Ball with a score of 58-47.
In subsequent clashes, Life League narrowly fell to Hoop Dreams 29-30, while Victoria Queens clinched a second triumph, overcoming Book and Ball with a 62-36 win. AGF had a hard-fought battle but narrowly lost to V. Buzzers 57-59. IMBA delivered a solid 50-36 victory over Hope, and Divine Speed capped the weekend with an impressive 23-13 win over Hope, setting the tone for a fiercely competitive season.
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