After making history for Nigeria, the trio of Ese Brume, Ruth Usoro and Prestina Ochonogor, will hope to take it a step further when they file out in the final of the women’s long jump event at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

It was the first time that three Nigerians would be competing in the final of the event and apart from Brume, who won a bronze medal at the last Games in Tokyo, the other two would be hoping to also make a name for themselves by pushing for a podium finish.

Also today, the weightlifting event will be starting with Rafiatu Lawal, seeking to make a debut to remember in the women’s 59kg. “I have prepared very well for this and am eager to give my best in Paris, France,” Lawal said.

“The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, under the able leadership of Dr Ibrahim Ab – dul, started a good job camping us before the Ministry of Sports took over, and it is my wish to do my best in the competition.

“It is my Olympic Games debut but I am not a greenhorn because I have taken part in many competitions that have equipped me for moments like this. I am going to the competition with the high hopes of giving my all to defend my fatherland.”