Adekuoroye thrilled to be Nigeria’s flagbearer

Odunayo Adekuoroye, who is one of the country’s major hopes of a Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games medal, is excited by her role as Nigeria’s flagbearer at tomorrow’s opening ceremony.

The wrestler, who is rated tops in her weight category, disclosed yesterday that she is looking forward to the opening ceremony in which she will lead out other Nigerian athletes in the Match Past.

Explaining that it is a big honour to be chosen for the role in a country of over 200 million people, the 56kg wrestler said: “The news of my role at the games came to me as a shock. I am so happy to be chosen and I will do my best both as the flagbearer and in the events proper.

“I have people here around me putting me through. Aunty Funke (Oshonaike) has played that role two or three times and I am talking to her to put me through the expectations.

“It is a big honour and I am so elated. I can’t wait to lead the team out on Friday.”

On her event, Adekuoroye said she has been working hard to be at her best at the games, adding, “We have many other top wrestlers with similar aspirations here in Tokyo but I am focused to go all the way.”