ABUJA, May 7, 2024 – The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Tonobok Okowa, expressed strong confidence that Nigeria will secure all its relay spots for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. This confidence comes after a successful performance at the World Relays held in the Bahamas, where four of Nigeria’s relay teams successfully qualified for the Games.
Strong Foundation for Olympic Qualifications
Despite the women’s 4x400m relay team missing their event due to visa issues and an injury to key runner Omolara Ogunmakinju, Okowa remains positive about their chances. He cited multiple upcoming competitions as opportunities for the team to secure their spot and complete Nigeria’s relay team roster for Paris 2024.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The women’s 4x400m team faced setbacks in the Bahamas when key athletes like Patience Okon-George could not participate due to visa complications, and Omolara Ogunmakinju was sidelined by an injury. Despite these obstacles, the other four Nigerian relay teams advanced, marking a significant success but leaving one spot still in contention.
Road to Paris 2024
Okowa detailed the plan for the remaining qualification opportunities: “Our plan was to qualify for all the relays in the Bahamas but I think four over five is still a pass mark. That is not to say we won’t complete it,” he stated. The upcoming Senior Africa Athletics Championships in Cameroon, the Region II in Ghana, and the National Trials will provide further chances for qualification.
Strategic Outlook
Nigeria currently stands in a favorable position based on the top lists of teams seeking qualification, holding the second spot for those yet to secure automatic Olympic entries. The qualification window remains open until June 30, 2024, providing ample time for the women’s 4x400m team to make their mark.
Broader Implications
The successful qualification of Nigeria’s relay teams not only boosts the country’s prospects at the Paris Olympics but also enhances its stature on the international athletics stage. Such achievements contribute to national pride and inspire upcoming athletes across the nation.
Conclusion
With the Paris 2024 Olympics on the horizon, the focus is now on ensuring that the women’s 4x400m relay team overcomes their initial setbacks to join their compatriots. As the qualification period progresses, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, under Okowa’s leadership, looks poised to utilize every available opportunity to see Nigeria represented across all relay categories at the Games.
