As the countdown to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, continues, PUNCH Sports Extra’s Godwin Aikigbe profiles nine Nigerian athletes aged 30 and older who might be making their last Olympic appearance. With the next Games set for July 2028 in Los Angeles, these athletes are pushing the limits of their careers in hopes of leaving a lasting impression.
Chidi Okezie
Age: 30
Events: 400m, 4x400m relay
Chidi Okezie, a quarter-miler, is set to make his delayed Olympic debut in Paris after being disqualified from Tokyo 2020. With a personal best of 44.97 seconds, achieved in Edmonton, Canada, Okezie remains a strong contender for Nigeria. He is currently ranked 52nd in the world for the 400m and 110th for the 200m.
Edose Ibadin
Age: 31
Event: 800m
Edose Ibadin, Nigeria's record holder in the 800m, will compete in his first and possibly last Olympics, as he will be 35 by the next Games. With a personal best of 1:44.65 minutes, Ibadin aims to make an impact despite competing in an event not traditionally strong for Nigeria.
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi
Age: 31
Event: Shot put
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, currently ranked 8th in the world, will make his second Olympic appearance in Paris. The reigning Nigerian and African champion hopes to improve on his performance from Tokyo 2020 and secure a podium finish with his personal best of 21.80 meters.
Chioma Onyekwere
Age: 30
Event: Discus Throw
Chioma Onyekwere, a Commonwealth Games and African Games champion, will compete in her second Olympics. With a personal best of 64.96 meters and a current world ranking of 22, Onyekwere is one of Nigeria's top hopes in the women's discus event.
Patience Okon-George
Age: 32
Events: 100m, 4x100m relay
Patience Okon-George, a veteran sprinter, has a decorated career with multiple gold medals from the African Games and Youth Olympic Games. She aims to cap her career with an elusive Olympic medal in Paris, having previously competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Omolara Omotosho
Age: 31
Events: 400m, 4x400m relay
Omolara Omotosho will represent Nigeria in the women's 4x400m mixed relay in Paris. With a personal best of 51.28 seconds, Omotosho looks to build on her experience from the 2012 Summer Olympics and achieve her goals in Paris.
Blessing Oborududu
Age: 35
Event: Wrestling
Blessing Oborududu, Nigeria's first Olympic medalist in wrestling, will compete in her fourth Olympics. Currently ranked second in the world, Oborududu hopes to turn her Tokyo 2020 silver into gold in Paris.
Odunayo Adekuoroye
Age: 30
Event: Wrestling
Odunayo Adekuoroye, known for her celebratory dances, seeks to add an Olympic medal to her collection. After an early exit at Tokyo 2020, Adekuoroye heads to Paris determined to showcase her skills and make Nigeria proud.
Quadri Aruna
Age: 35
Event: Table Tennis
Quadri Aruna, ranked 19th in the world, is set for his fourth Olympic appearance. With a history of strong performances, Aruna aims to continue competing at a high level and inspire future generations of Nigerian table tennis players.
These athletes, despite their age, are determined to give their best performances in Paris, potentially marking the end of illustrious careers on the Olympic stage.
