January 28, (THEWILL) – For the first time in the Winter Olympics’ history, Nigeria will compete in the cross-country skiing event of the Winter Olympic Games, which begin in Beijing next month.
THEWILL recalls that Nigeria made her Olympic debut at Pyeongchang, South Korea, in 2018. At that historic event, Seun Adigun and her team made history as the first Nigerians to compete in bobsled.
For the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, Samuel Ikpefan will be the sole representative of Nigeria, as the athlete, who was born in the French Alps town of Annemasse, becomes the first Nigerian skier and first male athlete to qualify for the Winter Olympics.
Ikpefan qualified to represent the country after his decision to switch nationalities and become Nigerian was confirmed in 2016.
For the irrepressible Adigun, whose historic sporting feats include being the first African to compete in both the summer and winter Olympics, a new challenge beckons in Beijing. She is contesting for a seat at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission at the Games.
In solidarity with her bid, the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has backed Adigun’s quest. Habu Ahmed Gumel, NOC President, wished her the best and promised her the support of the country and Government.
Gumel also expressed his delight in Ikpefan’s participation in the Games of which Nigeria’s flag will be flown at the Winter Olympics for the second time. He applauded the athlete and encouraged him to compete honestly and diligently in order to finish on the podium.
He also praised the IOC and the Chinese government for continuing to organise the Winter Olympic Games especially within the coronavirus pandemic’s critical phase of the moment.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
