The stage is set for her 13th African Games which officially kicks off on Friday, March 8 in Accra, Ghana.
As the crème de la crème of African athletes converge on Ghana for what is fondly called the continent’s version of the Olympics, Nigeria is set to make its mark with a team of 358 athletes competing in 25 different sports.
According to the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) public relations officer, Tony Nezianya, the athletes, officially accredited on Monday, will be spread across various venues in Accra, Kumasi and Cape Coast, all vying for glory on the continental stage.
Permanent damage
Nigeria leads the field with 50 athletes and will be looking to dominate the track and field. 100m hurdles world record holder Tobiloba Amusan is arguably the biggest name on the roster as she looks to extend her unrivaled dominance on the continent.
Ruth Usoro, Favor Ofili and Ese Brume are also among the athletes listed to represent Nigeria in Ghana.
Although only two medals in prospect, the men’s and women’s soccer teams boast the second largest squads in the country with 20 players each.
READ ALSO: NPFL: Akwa United begin title defense against Kano Pillars
The Flying Eagles and the Falconets will represent Nigeria.
At the last African Games in Rabat, Morocco, Nigeria won gold in the women’s category while settling for silver in the men’s football category.
Indeed football is one of the sports where Nigeria is expected to be among the strong contenders.
Also, a large contingent of 32 athletes will represent Nigeria at the hockey event.
Other sports with a significant presence in Nigeria include basketball (4 athletes), wrestling (14 athletes) and judo (10 athletes).
From individual events such as weightlifting and swimming to team sports such as volleyball and rugby, Nigeria’s diverse participation in 25 sports underscores the country’s commitment to glory in Ghana.
With a slightly depleted field of 311 athletes at the last African Games in Rabat, Morocco, Team Nigeria finished second in the final medal table with 127 medals (46 gold, 33 silver and 48 bronze).
Support PREMIUM TIMES’ journalism of integrity and credibility
Good journalism costs a lot of money. However, only good journalism can ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government.
For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider modestly supporting this noble effort.
By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help keep journalism relevant and ensure it remains free and available to all.
I offer
TEXT AD: Call Willie – +2348098788999