The minister of sports development, John Enoh, has commended Nathaniel Ezekiel and Samuel Ogazi on their outstanding performances at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics in France.

This is contained in a statement signed by the special adviser to the minister on media, Diana-Mary Nsan, on Monday.

Ezekiel broke a 12-year record, qualifying for the semi-finals of the men’s 400m hurdles event.

Ogazi shattered a 16-year record by advancing to the semi-finals in the men’s 400m.

Ezekiel is now the first Nigerian athlete in 12 years to reach the semifinals of the 400m hurdles at the Olympics.

He secured his spot by finishing 2nd in heat 4 with a time of 48.32 seconds, earning an automatic qualification.

The last Nigerian to reach this stage in the event was Amaechi Morton at the London 2012 Olympics.

In the men’s 400m event, Ogazi ran a new personal best of 44.50 seconds.

He finished second behind USA’s Quincy Hall, who won the race in 44.28 seconds.

Ogazi’s impressive performance marked the first time in 16 years that a Nigerian male quarter-miler qualified for the 400m semifinals at the Olympics.

Favour Ofili is set to compete in the semifinals of the women’s 200m on Monday evening, following her strong performance in the heats.

Additionally, Udodi Onwuzurike will participate in round 1, heat 2 of the men’s 200m event.

(NAN)