Nigerian Athletes are known for their strength and resilience on the ground. There have been many such records made by Nigerian athletes that people do not remember. Especially because these sports are not as famous as football and cricket. Therefore, we have compiled a list of 4 Outstanding Nigerian Athletic Performances that we all should remember.

 Olusoji Fasuba at Doha, Qatar

Olusoji Fasuba made a record of 9.85 (+1.7 m/s) in the 100 m event. The record was made on 12 May 2006 at Doha, Qatar in the Doha Diamond League. The event was a one-day meet at Doha which is a part of the Diamond Leagues international circuit.

The spectators at Suheim bin Hamad Stadium were stunned to see Olusoji Fasuba run like a bullet on the field. All the other players also congratulated the young lad on his performance. Even though the event was not as prestigious as the Olympics but the effort of such athletes should always be appreciated by their fellow countrymen. It encourages them to perform even better in the future. 

Antwon Hicks at Sapele, Nigeria

Antwon Hicks also made a record of 13.27 (+0.6 m/s) at the 110 m hurdles race that was held at Sapele, Nigeria for the Warri Relays & Olympic Trials on 7 July 2016. The event was not a proper show as these trials were held for the upcoming Olympics. But, Antwon Hicks made everyone’s jaw drop as he ran with such speed and precision during the hurdle race. 

Antwon Hicks had a history of such records as he won a gold medal at the 2002 world junior championship. According to the records, he was the first Nigerian American to win that title at such a tender age. 

Kelechi Nwanaga at Ozoro, Nigeria

Another such record was made by Kelechi Nwanaga at Ozoro, Nigeria for the Warri Relays Javelin throw competition held on 18 July 2017. The athlete made a throw of 58.15 m which was an outstanding record considering the lack of resources some Nigerian athletes face. 

Kelechi Nwanaga also won a gold medal at the 2015 African Games and defended her gold medal at the 2019 African Games. She has proved time and again that she is capable of winning gold at the Olympics, given proper training and resources. 

However, many women athletes, especially in low-income countries face such consequences. But these performances prove that Nigerian athletes have got the guts to win for their country given proper resources. 

Beatrice Utondu, Faith Idehen, etc at Barcelona, Spain

Beatrice Utondu, Faith Idehen, Christy Opara-Thompson, Mary Onyali-Omagbemi made a collective record at the 1992 Olympic Games that were held in Barcelona Spain in the 4 × 100 m relay by 42.39. 

All of these athletes have now retired from the games. But, remembering them even after decades proves that their dedication is still appreciated by many people in Nigeria. Similarly, it can provide support and motivation for young athletes that want to make their careers. 

Women athletes, especially black women do not have a lot of idols to look up to. So, these women provide a source of mentorship for the upcoming generation. 

Takeaway

Although sports like javelin throw and hurdle race are not something that a lot of people enjoy watching, the athletes put in their blood and sweat to deliver these performances. 

Especially athletes that do not get enough funding and support from their own country. Therefore, we all should remember and appreciate athletes so they can have enough motivation and willpower to win gold for their country in the Olympics and other such events in the future.