Nigeria’s Sole Athlete at Winter Olympics Crashes Out of Men’s Sprint Free Cross-Country Skiing Event
- Samuel Ikpefan finished in 73rd position at in the Cross-country Skiing event on Tuesday as Nigeria end medal hopes at the Winter Olympic Games
- 88 athletes took part in the race and Nigeria’s sole representatives at the event finished in 73rd position
- Ikpefan would not have a chance to compete for a medal, however, it is history for Nigeria as it is the country’s first time in Cross-country Skiing
Nigeria will no longer participate in the ongoing 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing China after Samuel Ikpefan was eliminated and won’t compete for a medal.
In the Cross-country Skiing event on Tuesday, Ikpefan was the 73rd athlete to cross the line, having crossed the finish line at a time of 3:09.57 secs.
He was ranked 73rd out of 88 participants in the Men’s Sprint free category, and will no longer participate at the Games.
Source: Getty Images
However, it was a historical moment for Nigeria as it is the very first time the country will participate in men's Cross-country Skiing.
Ikpefan had previously expressed confidence and hopes to inspire more Nigerians to take part in the competition.
He said:
“Teaching my sport to the younger generation is my greatest source of pride."
Team Nigeria led by Seun Adigun, Ngozi Onwumere, Akuoma Omeoga, and Simidele Adeagbo participated at the 2018 winter Olympic games in Pyeongchang, Gangwon, South Korea.
Following the exploits of the pioneers, Team Nigeria will hope to be in contention at the next winter Olympics in 2026 scheduled for Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.
Nigeria's outfit at Winter Olympics ranked
Meanwhile, Team Nigeria's outfit to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China has been ranked one of the best, a check on the Olympics' website shows.
Wearing the green and white colours of their flag from head to toe, Nigeria walked in style during the opening ceremony of the games. Team Nigeria represented the country by mixing tradition with practicality.
The outfit embraced Nigerian culture as Seun Adigun, Nigeria’s first African Summer & Winter Olympian, was the flag bearer of Team Nigeria during the opening ceremony.
Adigun is attending the games as an International Olympic Committee Athletes Commission candidate and also serves as Team Nigeria’s doctor.
Buhari sends message to Nigerian athletes
Sports Brief earlier reported that President Muhammadu Buhari has sent words of encouragement to Nigerian athletes heading to China for the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
The president wishes all participating athletes success at the games urging them to surpass the previous record in PyeongChang, South Korea in 2018, when the nation competed for the first time.
In a statement through his special adviser on Media and Publicity, the commander-in-chief believes the games will also foster stronger ties between Nigeria and China.
Source: SportsBrief.com