Nigerian sprint queen Tobilola Amusan is renowned for making history on the track, but she has gone further to do so beyond the track by becoming the first track and field athlete to be named as Nigeria’s flagbearer at the Olympics for the first time in 20 years.

Tony Nezianya, the Nigeria Olympic Committee’s spokesperson made the revelation on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, through an official statement. He also revealed that reigning African badminton champion Anuoluwapo Opeyori would captain Team Nigeria at the global competition.

Mary Onyali was the last track and field athlete to bear the Nigerian flag at the Olympics in Athens, Greece, 2004.

“What a great privilege that’s been bestowed on me by the Nigeria Olympic Committee & the Sports Ministry. The tiny little fierce girl from Ijebu-Ode…thrilling,” an excited Amusan said via a post on Instagram.

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Tobi Amusan, 27, holds the world record for women’s 100m hurdles. She became a global sensation after winning the world championship in 2022.

Apart from winning numerous Diamond League trophies, Amusan has won multiple Commonwealth Games medal and will be aiming to add an Olympic medal to her cabinet after a disappointing fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

She is one of Nigeria’s biggest prospects at the global showpiece.

Team Nigeria will be competing in a total of 12 sports at the 2024 Paris Olympics and will be represented by 86 athletes.