Islamic Solidarity Games: Nigeria’s Mixed Relays Win Gold, Olatoye Takes Silver (November 19, 2011)
On Thursday, the Nigerian team once again demonstrated its strength in athletics at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh. The mixed relay team won gold, and Saad Olatoye took silver in the shot put.
Nigeria’s biggest victory on Wednesday was winning gold in the 4x400m mixed relay. The Nigerian four-man team displayed excellent teamwork, speed, and composure to easily claim the gold medal.
The strong team, composed of Ghafari Badmus, Anita Itohan Enaruna, Ezekiel Asukwi, and Patiens Okon George, worked together seamlessly to finish the race in a season-best time of 3:16.27. They withstood a fierce comeback from Bahrain and Turkey.
Her performance across all four legs showcased her extensive experience and tenacious fighting spirit, ultimately securing a well-deserved victory for Nigeria. This win adds another accolade to Nigeria’s reputation in continental sprinting and the quarter-mile. In throwing and jumping events, Nigerian athlete Saad Olatoye delivered one of the most exciting moments of the day in the women’s shot put final. After several arduous attempts, Olatoye threw 16.05 meters on her final attempt, leaping from bronze to silver. She was just 4 centimeters short of gold, which Turkey’s Emer Dreli won with 16.09 meters. Bahrain’s Jassim Nura took bronze with 15.44 meters. Olatoye’s powerful final sprint once again proved why she is one of Nigeria’s most consistent throwers. On the track, two Nigerian sprinters competed in the women’s 200-meter final. Anita Itohan Enaruna finished sixth with a time of 24.03 seconds, while Maria Thompson Omokwe finished eighth with a time of 24.46 seconds.
Bahrain dominated the competition: Eddion Odion won the gold medal with a time of 22.99 seconds, securing a gold and silver medal for Bahrain in the sprint events.
Her compatriot Salwa Eid Nasser followed closely behind, finishing second with a time of 23.52 seconds, securing the gold and silver medals for Bahrain.
Overall, Nigeria’s outstanding performance highlights their growing momentum throughout the Olympics. On this final day of competition, expectations for them to win even more medals are rising.
