Team Nigeria delivered another strong outing on Thursday in Athletics the ongoing Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, as the mixed relay team delivered the gold and Sade Olatoye won a silver medal in Shotput.
The country’s biggest highlight on Wednesday came in the mixed 4x400m relay, where the Nigerian quartet displayed exceptional teamwork, speed, and composure to secure the Gold medal in style.
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The impressive team of Gafari Badmus, Anita Itohan Enaruna, Ezekiel Asuquo, and Patience Okon George combined brilliantly to complete the race in a Season’s Best time of 3:16.27, holding off strong challenges from Bahrain and Turkey.
Their execution across all four legs showed experience and grit, ultimately giving Nigeria a well-deserved victory.
The win added another prestigious relay title to the nation’s growing reputation in the sprints and quarter-mile events on the continental stage.
In the field events, Nigeria’s Sade Olatoye produced one of the most dramatic moments of the day in the women’s Shot Put final.
After a challenging series of attempts, Olatoye stepped up with a clutch final-round throw of 16.05m, lifting her from bronze position into Silver.
She narrowly missed out on the Gold medal by just four centimetres, as Turkey’s Emel Dereli emerged champion with a throw of 16.09m. Bahrain’s Jasim Noora completed the podium, taking Bronze with a mark of 15.44m.
Olatoye’s resilient finish once again demonstrated why she remains one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers in throws.
On the track, the women’s 200m final featured two Nigerian sprinters. Anita Itohan Enaruna finished in 6th place, clocking 24.03s, while Maria Thompson Omokwe placed 8th with a time of 24.46s.
The event was dominated by Bahrain, as Edidiong Odiong powered to victory in 22.99s, completing a sprint double at the Games.
She was followed by compatriot Salwa Eid Naser, who secured second place in 23.52s, sealing a commanding 1–2 finish for Bahrain.
Overall, Team Nigeria’s strong performances highlight their growing momentum as the Games continue, with expectations rising for more medals today, the final day of the competition.
