Team Nigeria’s Ijomah Kingsley has qualified for the second round of the Rowing men single sculls held at the Sea Forest Waterway, Tokyo.
Kingsley returned in a time of 11.50.87seconds, which will see him through to the next stage of the Paralympics rowing event.
Speaking with newsmen after his qualification, an elated Kingsley said participating in the Paralympics was an honour and he looks forward to qualifying for the final on Sunday.
The UK-based Nigeria who also described the treat given to the athletes as wonderful called on many Nigerians to take to Rowing describing it as a sports that develops one mentally.
Nigeria is presently placed 20th on the medals table at the ongoing Paralympics games in Tokyo.
Tijani Latifat has become the first athlete to pick Nigeria’s medal in theTokyo2020 in 47 kg lifting 107 kg to emerge the winner.
The Ogun state born athlete, after her failed first attempt lifted successfully in the third attempt 107kg to pick gold medal thus becoming the first Nigerian to pick gold at the ongoing Paralympics Games .
Her attempt for works record in 117kg failed as she could not make it but got herself the Paralympics record of 107kg which threw the Tokyo International Forum venue of the event into wild jubilation.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the medal presentation, Latifat commended the minister of youth and sport for his vision for the athletes saying she is dedicating her success to the Almighty Allah, adding that her victory will spur her colleagues to win medal for the country.
In his reaction, Chef de Mission, Mr Peter Nelson having expressed happiness with the gold medal said the athlete would be adequately honoured and be paid on the spot cash award promised by the Federal government.
Nigeria’s contingent to the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games returned to a rousing reception at the Nnamdi Azikwe international Airport Abuja on Saturday with the Minister of Youth and sports Development Mr Sunday Dare assuring of early preparations for the Commonwealth Games.
The Minister commended Blessing Oborududu and Ese Brume for their impressive performance in Tokyo, assuring that President Mohammadu Buhari was very proud of the team not only for winning medals, but for comporting themselves well in a manner expected of Nigerian sports Ambassadors.
“Today, we celebrate you just as millions of Nigerians who stayed glued to their Television set at odd hours of the day to watch and pray for you.
Together, we say, thank you for putting smiles on our faces. That moment when the Nigerian flag was hoisted, that moment when two Nigerians stepped on the podium as the world sang the Nigeria National anthem in unison, will remain indelible in our hearts as we look forward to a more glorious outings at the fast approaching commonwealth games.
We have learnt lessons in Tokyo and these lessons will put us in good stead for the commonwealth games.
Our preparation starts today!” he declared”
The Minister disclosed that President Buhari was very happy with the performance of Team Nigeria at the games, reiterating that, the decision to increase their bonuses is an indication that Mr President was very impressed and will support team Nigeria and any Nigerian youth that brings glory to the country in every sphere of human endeavors.
With just two medals hanging on the neck of Team Nigeria at the ongoing 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, some sports loving Nigerians have again called for more provision of funds for the sports sector.
Speaking with Olaolu Fawole in Ibadan, the respondents noted that Nigeria would have won more medals if adequate preparations had been put in place ahead of the summer Olympics Games
For Team Nigeria, the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Olympics has been eventful as the country struggles to make an appearance on the medals table.
Justus Adetomiwa in Akure, the Ondo State capital speaks with the people on their assessment of the country’s participation in the world’s biggest sports event.
