The Nigerian athletics team delivered an outstanding performance at the Islamic Unity Games in Riyadh, sweeping gold, silver, and bronze medals with overwhelming dominance, igniting the passion of the crowd and highlighting Nigeria’s growing strength in athletics.
The highlight of the evening was the victory of the women’s 4x100m relay team (Bada Toin, Ezechuku Milakel, Omokwe Maria, and Nwek Cynthia), who won the gold medal with powerful and coordinated running. Their smooth baton exchanges and explosive final sprints showcased Nigeria’s long-standing reputation for strength and technical skill in relays.
Experienced 400m runner Patiens Okon George added another point to the medal table with a brilliant silver medal in the 400m race. She overtook several top athletes with her signature sprint.
In the men’s 400m final, Badmus Ghafari emerged victorious from a fierce competition to win a hard-fought bronze medal, further solidifying Nigeria’s position on the podium.
Chief Tonobok Okowa, President of the Nigerian Athletics Federation, praised the athletes’ outstanding performance and expressed satisfaction with their results.
“This is encouraging news,” Okowa said. “We are using this Games to prepare for the Commonwealth Games, the African Athletics Championships, and ultimately, the 2028 Olympics.”* Every run and every podium finish by the Nigerian team sends a clear message to Riyadh: this green-and-white contingent is honing its competitiveness and should be closely watched on the international stage.* The Nigerian team has so far won nine athletics medals at this Games, including two gold medals—in the women’s 4x100m relay and the mixed 4x400m relay—as well as four silver and three bronze medals. * On this night filled with passion, focus, and flawless performance, the Nigerian team not only participated but also demonstrated dominance.
