Team Nigeria boxers arrive France for Paris Olympic games
Team Nigeria boxers Cynthia Ogunsemilore and Adams Olaore, have arrived in Paris for the 2024 Summer Games, 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.
Their participation marks a significant moment for Nigerian boxing, which has not won a medal in the sport since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where Donkan Dokiwari claimed bronze in the super heavyweight category.
The Paris 2024 Olympics are set to run from July 26 to August 11.
Unfortunately, Dolapo Omole, a 57kg fighter, has been forced to withdraw from the competition due to an injury sustained during his preparations. His coach, Adura Olalehin, confirmed the news: “Due to a medical issue, Dolapo is not going to Paris.”
In addition to boxing, Nigeria will also be represented in table tennis by African star Quadri Aruna. Aruna, ranked 19th in the world, is set to compete in his fourth Olympics. He will start his campaign as the 14th seed in the men’s singles event.
Aruna will be joined by teammates Fatimo Bello, Edem Offiong, and Olajide Omotayo, as Nigeria aims to secure medals in the table tennis events.