It was a day of mixed emotions for Team Nigeria at the Games on Monday as Blessing Oborodudu had a good run but fell just short in Wrestling while Favour Ofili impressed again and now has a shot at Gold in the Women’s 200metres.
The 2020 Tokyo Games Silver Medalist, Blessing Oborodudu had a busy day in the 68kg Freestyle Wrestling event with 3 fights within a 6 hour time span. She had to come from behind in her opening round win over Linda Morais, eventually dismissing the Canadian 8-2. In the quarter finals she faced homegirl Koumba Larroque who was backed by a passionate, partisan French crowd but kept her composure despite falling behind to win 5-2 to reach the Semi-Finals and come within touching distance of a guaranteed medal.
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Up next for the 35 year old was Meerim Zhumanarova from Kyrgyzstan and despite initially taking the lead, she eventually succumbed to a painful 3-1 loss to end hopes of a guaranteed medal by reaching the Final. Oborodudu will now fight for a Bronze Medal via the Repechage route.
On the tracks, Favour Ofili comfortably qualified for the Finals of the Women’s 200 metres with another Personal Season Best time of 22.05 seconds, 2nd behind 100 metres winner Julien Alfred. 400 metres, hurdler Ezekiel Nathaniel, also placed 2nd in his 1st Round Heat 4 race with a time of 48.38 seconds to reach the Semi Finals.
The pair of Ella Onojuvwevwo and Esther Ello Joseph both faltered in the Women’s 400 metres qualifying heat but the former still has a chance in the Repechage, a route that didn’t favour Chidi Okezie in the Men’s version as his 45.64 seconds run was not good enough.
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It’s another packed day of action today in Athletics for Team Nigeria. The trio of Ruth Usoro, Prestina Ochonogor and medal hopeful Ese Brume are in action in the Long Jump qualifying round. Ella Onojuvwevwo and Udodi Onwuzuruike will seek redemption via the Repechage and promising youngster Samuel Ogazi will spike up in the Semi-Finals of the Men’s 400 metres
Also today, Favour Ofili goes for a medal in the Women’s 200 metres Final which will be a perfect riposte for the frustration she endured over her 100 metres exclusion.
Wish her luck….
By Deji Omotoyinbo, in Paris
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