CWG gold medallist Olarinoye, others get ANOCA boost

Olarinoye Adijat

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After excelling at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where Team Nigeria was Africa’s most successful team, the Nigeria Olympic Committee has changed gear towards ensuring another podium finish by securing scholarships for its athletes for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The NOC named four latest recipients of ANOCA Athlete Support Programme for Paris 2024, with the athletes all regarded as prospects for the Paris Olympic Games.

President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Gumel, who is also ANOCA’s Treasurer-General, announced Enekwechi Chukwuebuka (Athletics), Kolawole Omolayo (Wrestling), Ogbonne Joy (Weightlifting) and Olarinoye Adijat (Weightlifting) as the recipients.

Gumel said the funds would support their goals of competing at the Olympic Games.

The four Nigerian athletes are among the 50 athletes chosen by ANOCA as the commission predicated the allocation process on performance criteria and sports and Olympic ethics.

The ANOCA Athletes’ Support Programme aims to provide support for the preparation and qualification of elite athletes with the potential to qualify and perform well at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Speaking further on the ANOCA Athlete Support Programme for Paris 2024, NOC secretary, Banji Oladapo, said, “Chasing an Olympic dream takes incredible determination and talent – these four athletes have all demonstrated they have what it takes.

But they also need support to train, compete and maximise their performance opportunities around the world to provide the best opportunity to represent Nigeria at the Paris Games.”