The 2024 Paris Olympics kicked off on Friday, 26th July, with an opening ceremony that was definitely an occasion to remember. It took place along the River Seine, incorporating some of Paris’ iconic landmarks and showcased the rich and vibrant French culture.
The ceremony had a range of performances, with all the participating teams present on their respective boats for the parade, to represent their countries. Team Nigeria was there to represent in style bringing the Naija energy to Paris and wearing the bright colors of our flag.
In their first outing, D’Tigress, the Nigerian female basketball team etched their name in history by defeating Australia, ranked third best basketball team in the world by FIBA. It was an intense match, but Team Nigeria’s strong defense and powerful offense pulled through with the final scores being 75-62. This is the team’s first win in an Olympic basketball match in 20 years.
After the team’s iconic triumph against Australia and Canada, the enthusiasm continues as they look to defeat Team USA in the next game to advance to the semi-final stage.
Meanwhile, with the athletics segment of the games currently ongoing, the Nigerian team has faced some challenges as one of their representatives, Favour Ofili, took to social media to say she would not be able to compete in the 100 meters race even though she qualified because the AFN (Athletics Federation of Nigeria) and the NOC (Nigerian Olympics Committee) failed to enter her for the category.
Despite this unfortunate occurrence, the team still has strong representatives and shows great prospects. Among those representatives are some of MTN Champs ambassadors. MTN’s support has been crucial in providing these athletes with the resources and training necessary to compete at the highest level.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics games progresses, Nigerian athletes continue to create an impression with their dedication and performances. From track and field to basketball and weightlifting, the athletes have shown remarkable talent and resilience. Their achievements are a source of pride for Nigerians and will inspire the next generation of athletes to pursue sports as a professional career.
Through initiatives like the MTN Champs, these potential athletes will get the opportunity to receive world-class training and showcase their skills during international championships. In addition to this, the telco’s existing partnership with Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) among others, further highlights the significant role the company plays in the development of sports in the country.
Stay updated and support our athletes as they strive for excellence on the global stage.