Former Nigerian athlete, Falilat Ogunkoya, has praised the quality of facilities at the current 222nd National Sports Festival known as ‘Gateway Games 2024’.
Speaking at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Ogunkoya encouraged the competitors to speed up in order to set new record times.
“Many of these athletes have the potential to participate in global competitions if they are committed to training.
“Training can be challenging, but dedicating yourself to your sport will lead to noticeable achievements,” she stated.
Ogunkoya also recognized Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State for the encouragement provided to athletes from the state.
“When it comes to motivating athletes, Ogun is performing admirably; for winning a gold medal, you will be rewarded with N2.5 million,” she added.
Gov. Abiodun previously announced that athletes would earn N2.5 million for securing gold, N1.5 million for silver, and N1 million for bronze.
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Additionally, every athlete from the state who qualifies will earn N50,000.
Ogunkoya made history as the first Nigerian to earn an individual medal in track and field at the Olympic Games.
She also claimed multiple national titles, including a gold in the 400 meters in 1996, and gold medals in both the 200 meters and 400 meters in 1998, followed by two more golds in the 400 meters in 1999 and 2001.
At the 1987 All Africa Games in Nairobi, she captured a silver medal in the 200 meters, and at the 1995 All Africa Games in Harare, she secured a silver in the 400 meters.
Additionally, at the 1999 Games in Johannesburg, she won a gold medal in the 400 meters.
