Nigerians hail Amusan’s choice as Olympic flagbearer

Tobi Amusan’s selection as Team Nigeria’s flagbearer during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Friday has been described as well-deserved by Nigerians.

 The opening ceremony will officially mark the commencement of the Games, which will end on August 11.

This year’s opening ceremony will break tradition as it will be held on the Seine River that runs through Paris on Friday, with boats for each national delegation. The six-kilometre floating parade will end in front of the Trocadero, an area of Paris that offers a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower.

Amusan was announced on Tuesday as the country’s flagbearer for the ceremony, becoming the first track and field athlete in two decades to receive this honour.

Similarly, African champion and badminton star Anuoluwapo Opeyori was named general captain of Team Nigeria.

The women’s 100m hurdles world record holder’s appointment was applauded by Nigerians.

“Yes, she deserves the honour. She’s been a good representative of Nigeria since her emergence as the world record holder in 100 mH. This year’s Olympics will surely add more to the glory of our nation beyond expectations,” Abdulfatah Zakariyah wrote.

Daud Olaolu said, “Oluwatobiloba Amusan, thank you so much for your service to our country. Keep our nation’s flag flying high in Paris.”

“Tobi Amusan. Queen of the track. So distinguished. A national asset. Pride of a nation with great antecedent. An amazon. Nice selection and quality representation. Good luck. My best wishes,” Kelly Amadi also wrote.

Amusan is also regarded as one of the athletes with the brightest chance of winning a medal for Nigeria at the Games.

The 27-year-old finished fourth at the last edition in Tokyo but had since then smashed the women’s 100m hurdles world record (12.12s) and also won three consecutive Diamond League titles.

Her rivals in Paris would be the USA’s Nia Ali, Alaysha Johnson, current world champion Danielle Williams, and Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn.