Nigeria’s Olympic boxing team, featuring Cynthia Ogunsemilore and Adams Olaore, has arrived in Paris for the 2024 Olympics, aiming to break a 28-year medal drought in boxing.
Cynthia Ogunsemilore will compete in the Women’s Lightweight (60kg) category, while Adams Olaore will fight in the Men’s Heavyweight (92kg) division. The Paris 2024 Olympics will run from July 26 to August 11.
Nigeria last secured a boxing medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where Donkan Dokiwari won bronze in the super heavyweight category. The team hopes to restore Nigeria’s legacy in boxing.
Unfortunately, Dolapo Omole, a 57kg fighter and two-time African Featherweight champion, has been sidelined due to an injury sustained during preparations. His coach, Adura Olalehin, confirmed that Omole will not compete in Paris.
In other Olympic news, African Table Tennis star Quadri Aruna will lead Nigeria’s table tennis team. Aruna, ranked 19th in the world, will start his campaign as the 14th seed in the men’s singles event. This will be his fourth Olympic appearance after competing in the 2012, 2016, and 2020 Olympics.
Aruna will be joined by Fatimo Bello, Edem Offiong, and Olajide Omotayo as they strive for medals in table tennis events. The draw for the table tennis competition will take place on July 24.
Nigeria is also eyeing success in athletics, with stars like Tobi Amusan and Brume set to compete, aiming to add to the country’s medal tally in Paris.
