Team Nigeria increased its gold medal count at the ongoing 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, winning two gold medals in wrestling and the women’s 4x100m relay on Wednesday night.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by Kola Daniel, Special Adviser to the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olapade, Christiana Ogunsanya dominated the 53kg freestyle wrestling final, defeating Uzbekistani Shokhida Akhmedova 11-1 to claim gold.
Nigeria’s young quartet of Bada Toyin, Ezechukwu Miracle, Omokwe Maria, and Nweke Cynthia later thrilled fans with a brilliant performance in the women’s 4x100m relay, clocking 44.27 seconds to take the gold. Bahrain and Gambia finished second and third with times of 44.47 seconds and 45.05 seconds, respectively.
In addition to the two golds, Nigeria secured two silver medals and three bronze medals. Highlights included:
- Men’s javelin throw: Kure Adams – bronze
- Men’s 400m: Badmus Atanda – bronze
- Women’s 400m: Patience George – silver
- Men’s 4x100m relay: John Caleb, Chidera Ezeakor, Ezekiel Asuquo, and James Emmanuel – bronze
- Women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling: Miesinnei Genesis – silver after losing 5-1 to Uzbekistan’s Aktenge Keunimjaeva
Bukola Olapade praised the athletes’ performance, encouraging them to remain focused and disciplined ahead of future competitions:
“I am truly proud of both of you, and I want you to know that President Bola Tinubu will continue to expose Nigerian athletes to the best international competitions, both home and abroad, for podium success. Your performance here means a lot to us, and the NSC, under the chairmanship of Shehu Dikko, is determined to ensure Nigeria continues to enjoy the feel-good factor of sports.”
With the latest results, Team Nigeria’s medal tally now stands at eight gold, 10 silver, and seven bronze medals, with more expected in para-athletics and para-powerlifting events.
