Tobi Amusan, the world record holder in the women's 100m hurdles, has been named Nigeria's flag bearer for the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, which will take place on the River Seine in Paris on Friday.
The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), in collaboration with the Federal Sport Ministry, made the announcement on Tuesday morning.
A statement released by Tony Nezianya, who serves as the press attache to the team, also confirmed the selection of Anuoluwapo Opeyori of the badminton team as general captain of Team Nigeria’s contingent for Paris Games.
Tobi Amusan, the current world record holder in the 100m hurdles, is one of Nigeria's most promising medal prosprcts in Paris.
Earlier this year, Amusan set a world record time of 12.40 seconds (with a 0.9m/s wind), showing her remarkable form as she prepares for the Olympics. She narrowly edged out two-time world champion Danielle Williams of Jamaica, who finished second in 12.46 seconds.
Anuoluwapo Opeyori, on the other hand, is an experienced badminton player who has competed for Nigeria since 2017.
In 2019, the 26-year-old won the African Championships and African Games in the singles event, as well as competing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
As general team captain, Opeyori will play an important role in providing leadership and guidance to the Nigerian team in Paris, leveraging on his international experience to motivate his teammates to achieve their best performance.
According to Tony Nezianya, the appointment of Amusan and Opeyori to these significant positions symbolises the country's great aspirations for its athletes at the upcoming Olympics.
Both have established themselves on the international stage and are set to lead Nigeria's charge to victory in Paris.
