Four Nigerian athletes get ANOCA scholarships ahead Paris 2024 Olympic Games

NOC President, Habu Ahmed Gumel

After excelling at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where Team Nigeria topped the African medals table, the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has changed gear towards ensuring another podium finish by securing scholarships for its athletes for Paris 2024 Olympics.

The four athletes, all regarded as prospects for the Paris Olympic Games, are Enekwechi Chukwuebuka (Athletics), Kolawole Esther Omolayo (Wrestling), Ogbonne Eze Joy (Weightlifting) and Olarinoye Adijat Adenike (Weightlifting).

Announcing the scholarships, yesterday, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) President, Habu Gumel, who is also ANOCA Treasurer- General, said the funds would support their goal of competing in the Olympic Games.

The four Nigerian athletes are among 50 chosen by ANOCA as the Commission predicated the allocation process on performance criteria, 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.

The Commission recommended that NOCs use part of the grant for their athlete support and preparation activities. Throwing more light on the ANOCA Athlete Support Programme for Paris 2024, NOC Secretary, Olabanji 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 maximize their performance opportunities around the world to provide the best opportunity to represent Nigeria at the Paris Games.”

The Games of the XXXIII Olympiad – known as the Paris 2024 Olympic Games – will be the first time in a century and the