Olympics 2024: Tobi Amusan to set a new milestone for Nigeria in Paris

Official reports now confirm that Tobi Amusan will be unlocking a new milestone in her career and for Nigeria at the 2024 Olympics in France

Women’s 100m hurdle world record-holder Tobi Amusan has been selected as Nigeria’s flag-bearer for the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, scheduled to take place on the River Seine on Friday, July 27, 2024, as she will unlock a new milestone for herself and Nigeria as a whole by becoming the first athlete in 20 years to be the flag bearer at the Olympics after Mary Onyali.

The announcement was made by the Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Sport on Tuesday morning.

Tony Nezianya, the press attaché to Team Nigeria, also confirmed in a statement that Anuoluwapo Opeyori of the badminton team has been appointed as the general captain of Team Nigeria’s contingent for the Paris Games.

Tobi Amusan, the current world record holder in the 100m hurdles, is considered one of Nigeria’s top medal hopefuls in Paris.

Earlier this year, Amusan set a world-leading time of 12.40 seconds (with a 0.9m/s wind), showcasing her impressive form heading into the Olympics. She narrowly beat two-time world champion Danielle Williams of Jamaica, who finished second with a time of 12.46 seconds.

Anuoluwapo Opeyori, an experienced badminton player, has been representing Nigeria since 2017. The 26-year-old won the African Championships and African Games singles events in 2019 and also competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

As the general team captain, Opeyori will play a crucial role in providing leadership and guidance to the Nigerian team in Paris, using his international experience to inspire his teammates to achieve their best results.

Nezianya noted that the decision to appoint Amusan and Opeyori to these prestigious positions reflects the high expectations the country has for its athletes at the upcoming Olympic Games.

Both individuals have proven their capabilities on the global stage and are poised to lead Nigeria’s quest for glory in Paris.

Tobi Amusan has been named as Nigeria's flagbearer for the opening ceremony of #Paris2024 #Olympics – she becomes the first athlete from Athletics in 20yrs, since Mary Onyali at the Athens 2004 Games, to have such honours.

In another appointment, the Nigerian Olympic committee… pic.twitter.com/q12wCk9dZt

— Making of Champions (@MakingOfChamps) July 23, 2024