Africa’s First Olympic Bobsled Team
• Departs For South Korea Today
The Nigerian Bobsled and Skeleton team to this year’s Winter Olympics will depart Lagos today for PyeongChang, South Korea with a declaration from the athletes that they will make remarkable impact at the Games, which holds from February 9 to 25.
History was made in November 2017, when the trio of Seun Adigun (Driver), Ngozi Onwumere and Akuoma Omeoga (brakemen) qualified Nigeria, thus becoming the first African team (men or women) to make it in the Bobsled category. Also making a first appearance at the Winter Olympics is Simidele Adeagbo, who became the first African woman to qualify for the Skeleton category.
The four athletes arrived Lagos from their base in the United States of America two days ago, and were given a send forth by Nigeria Breweries in Lagos on Thursday evening.
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Speaking at the occasion, the athletes promise to give their best in PyeongChang. “It is really exciting to see this level of appreciation and love from Nigerians,” said Adigun, a former sprinter. “This will spur us to put in our best in PyeongChang.”
On her part, Adeagbo said it was a dream come true to take part of the Winter Olympics, after failing on two occasions to be part of the Summer Olympics. “It is the same feeling,” she said. “I tried on two occasions to make it to the Summer Olympics Games, but was unsuccessful. I am happy to be part of this year’s Winter Olympics and I will do my very best.”
President of the Bobsled and Skeleton Federation of Nigeria (BSFN), Chief Solomon Ogba was full of appreciation for the sponsorship of NB Plc saying: “It is our first time and adequate support is needed to boost our quest to make Nigeria proud. We are grateful to Nigerian Breweries and other corporate organisations that have supported us.”
The Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc. Franco Maria Maggi said: “As the first lager brewed in Nigeria, we identify with that pioneering spirit of excellence that these four amazing Nigerian women represent.
“The zeal to go on and shine in the face of uncertainty, in an uncharted terrain, deeply resonates with us and we are very delighted to support these great athletes in making this dream of participating and winning in Pyeongchang come true.”
Source: G Sport
