The Nigeria Olympic Committee by the directive of Ministry of Sport Development has named Tobi Amusan of the athletics team as the Nigerian flag bearer for the 2024 Paris Olympic opening ceremony leaving some sports lovers in the country with questions about their favorite athletes going to the global competition.
Being a flag bearer for any country at the Olympic fiesta is in the words of NBA star, LeBron James “an incredible honour, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together.”
While the 100m hurdles record holder tick all boxes as a perfect candidate for the highly celebrated position, Nigeriasoccernet being a football news platform will like to look at few of the football stars (in this case Super Falcons) who undoubtedly deserve the honor.
Tochukwu Oluehi
Veteran goalkeeper, Tochukwu Oluehi is the sole survivor from the Super Falcons squad that participated in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, and is now part of the team bound for Paris 2024.
At 36, Oluehi proudly watched her younger teammates secure their spot in the Games by holding Banyana Banyana to a goalless draw in Pretoria, sealing a 1-0 aggregate victory.
In 2008, Oluehi, then 21, served as backup to Precious Dede in a squad that struggled, finishing bottom of their group after losing all three matches.
Now, 16 years later, Oluehi is set to feature in her second Olympic Games, bringing valuable experience to the team as they prepare for Paris 2024.
Legendary coach and Oluehi’s former trainer, Kadiri Ikhana, praised her perseverance, suggesting she deserves recognition for her enduring relevance.
“That lady deserves an honour to have kept herself and still be relevant 16 years after representing the country at the 2008 Olympic Games.
“Honestly, she deserves an honour. I wish her the very best in Paris, where I believe her experience will be useful to the team,” former African Coach of The Year, Ikhana, who coached Nigeria’s men’s team at the 2004 Olympic Games, told Punch.
With all of the profile, encomiums and high level of professionalism, Oluwhi having such honor would have been a big thank you stamp for her patriotism and what is likely to be her last appearance at the global or any an international competition.
The other player to be screened for this ones in a life time opportunity is…
By Olujimi Dare Ogun