Amusan, Opeyori appointed to lead Team Nigeria at Paris Olympic Games

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports Development, appointed Tobi Amusan as the Nigerian flag bearer and  Anuoluwapo Opeyori as the general team captain at the opening of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Tony Nezianya, the NOC spokesperson, who will serve as the press attaché to the team, announced this in a statement on Tuesday.

Amusan was the reigning world champion in the 100m hurdles and one of Nigeria’s brightest medal prospects in Paris.

Anuoluwapo Opeyori, on the other hand, is an experienced badminton player who has been representing Nigeria since 2017.

The statement said that, as the captain, Opeyori would play a crucial role in providing leadership and guidance to the Nigerian team contingent in Paris, drawing from his international experience to inspire his teammates.

“The decision to appoint Amusan and Opeyori to these prestigious positions reflects the high expectations the country has for its athletes at the upcoming Olympic Games,” said the statement.

It said both had proven their mettle on the global stage and were poised to lead Nigeria’s charge for glory in Paris.

According to the statement, Opeyori, 26, won the African Championships and African Games in the singles event in 2019 and also competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

“Earlier this year, Amusan set a world-leading time of 12.40 seconds (with a 0.9m/s wind), highlighting her impressive form heading into the Olympics. She narrowly edged out two-time world champion Danielle Williams of Jamaica, who finished second with a time of 12.46 seconds,” it said.

The Games will officially open on July 26 in Paris.

(NAN)