How Nigeria's combat athletes faired prior to Paris 2024 Olympics

Olaore, a 2023 graduate of a UK university, became a member of the Nigeria Boxing Team. With his victories in every fight, he holds the title of undisputed African heavyweight champion. He fights for Nigeria. Olaore, who is well-known for his quick thinking, agility, confidence, and intelligence, is expected to have a big influence in Paris. 

Through youth contests, Ogunsemilore, a young and prospective world champion, was brought to light. In her debut appearance at the London Commonwealth Games in 2022, she distinguished herself at the highest level by taking home a bronze medal.

She has remained unbeaten since then and has just gained more experience. Among her latest accomplishments is her gold medal from the most recent All African Games in Ghana. 

WRESTLING

Blessing Oborududu

Oborududu, the silver medallist from the Tokyo Olympics, defeated Uilau I. Tarkong of Palau 2-0 to secure her place in Paris. She provides the Nigerian team with a plethora of expertise as an accomplished Olympian.
Oborududu created history in Tokyo by being the first wrestler from Nigeria to win an Olympic medal. She has won twelve African championships and numerous gold medals from the Commonwealth and African Games. She is a serious medal contender in Paris according to her background and track record.

The current African champion, Adekuoroye, earned a trip to Paris after taking home the bronze at the World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, the previous year. She intends to outperform her prior Olympic performance.

The World Military Champion defeated Amy Youin of Côte d'Ivoire 6-0 to guarantee her spot in the Olympics. Gold was also won by Reuben in Accra, Ghana, during the African Games.

Throughout Africa, she has dominated her weight class and routinely placed highly in regional tournaments.

Reuben's military upbringing has given her a strong sense of discipline and perseverance in her wrestling style, qualities that may come in handy when she makes her Olympic debut.

With a 10-0 victory over Cape Verde's Angelina Rodrigues Miranda, Kolawole advanced to Paris. Kolawole Esther adds this accomplishment to her victories at the African Games and the African Championships.

Kolawole, a rising star in Nigerian wrestling, has advanced remarkably in recent years. She has established herself as a formidable opponent on the continental circuit with to her aggressive approach and technical prowess, and she will be hoping to make a big impact in her debut Olympic game.

The African Games winner, Ogunsanya Christiansah defeated Egypt's Shaimaa Atef Barakat Mohamed 10-0 to guarantee her spot at the Olympics.

Ogunsanya has been gaining recognition in African wrestling circles thanks to her impressive feats. Her talent was highlighted by her gold medal at the African Games, and she is anxious to succeed in Paris on the international arena. She is a promising potential for Nigeria because of her quickness and agility in the lighter-weight class. 

Ashton Mutuwa, the American-born wrestler, who just swore allegiance to Nigeria, defeated South African Justin van Zyl 16-8 in a pinfall match to earn a trip to Paris. Mutuwa will be competing in his first Olympics.

His choice to play for Nigeria gives the team a unique perspective. When he faces the top heavyweights in the world, Mutuwa's background in the competitive American wrestling scene may come in handy. He is a dark horse in the heavyweight division due to his combination of technical prowess and sheer power.

TAEKWONDO

Elizabeth Anyanacho will be the only athlete from Nigeria to represent her country in taekwondo at the Olympics in Paris, making history as the first female athlete from Nigeria to compete in two Olympic Games. 

She competed for the African Qualifying Tournament in Dakar, Senegal, where she faced Kenya's Jully Musangi in the women's -67kg division. In the second round of the three-round competition, she won with a classy effort against her opponent. Anyanacho is keen to improve on her Tokyo 2020 performance after winning gold at the recent African Games in Ghana and the Luxembourg Open.