Oborodudu storms into wrestling quarterfinals
As Team Nigeria continues to compete at the ongoing Olympic Games in Paris, the nationโs athletes have made remarkable strides. Ezekiel Nathaniel has broken a 12-year record, qualifying for the semifinals of the menโs 400m hurdles event, while Samuel Ogazi shattered a 16-year record by advancing to the semifinals in the menโs 400m.
Ezekiel Nathaniel became the first Nigerian athlete in 12 years to reach the semifinals of the 400m hurdles at the Olympics. He secured his spot by finishing 2nd in heat 4 with a time of 48.32 seconds, earning an automatic qualification. The last Nigerian to reach this stage in the event was Amaechi Morton at the London 2012 Olympics.
In the menโs 400m event, Samuel Ogazi ran a new personal best of 44.50 seconds, finishing 2nd behind USAโs Quincy Hall, who won the race in 44.28 seconds. Ogaziโs impressive performance marked the first time in 16 years that a Nigerian male quarter-miler qualified for the 400m semifinals at the Olympics.
Looking ahead, Favour Ofili is set to compete in the semifinals of the womenโs 200m on Monday evening, following her strong performance in the heats. Additionally, Udodi Onwuzurike will participate in round 1, heat 2 of the menโs 200m event.
In wrestling, Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games silver medallist Blessing Oborodudu defeated her Canadian opponent, Linda Morais to progress into the quarterfinals of the womenโs 68kg event. Oborodudu recovered from 0-2 down to win 8-2 on points.
