Nigerian women shine at All-African Games

In a remarkable display of skill and determination at the ongoing All African Games in Ghana, African women have displayed incredible determination in representing their respective countries.

For example, out of the 27 gold medals secured by Team Nigeria thus far, an astonishing 24 have been won by female athletes.

These women have triumphed in weightlifting, arm wrestling, and across many other games at the event.

The outstanding performance of these female athletes not only underscores the exceptional capabilities of African women but also highlights the critical importance of investing in women’s sports. From donning beautiful sportswear, to nicely done hair, to gorgeous nails, African women are showing us that not only might we be overlooking a booming industry in sports, which is fashion, but women can indeed have it all.

As an African Union Media fellow at the games, I had a chat with Rosaline Amu, a prominent sports journalist and media coordinator of the Ghana All-African Games who emphasized the substantial contribution of African women to the medal tally and asked that more opportunities for fair play and gender equity be granted across all sports disciplines. She further commended the commitment of the African Union to using sports as a catalyst for continental development and unity since the first edition held in 1965.

Additionally, I had the opportunity to chat with Rita Mosindi, the Secretary General of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, who expressed optimism despite the timing conflicts with the outdoor season. Mosindi who is watching her athletes excel at the All-African games in Ghana highlighted that the current participation of younger athletes is strategic by Nigeria and is positioning them for future success.

She emphasised the transformative power of empowering women’s sports, stating, “When we empower a woman, we empower a nation.” Mosindi called for increased governmental support in women’s sports as they can multiply the resources they are provided.

As the games progress, the triumphs of Nigerian women at the All African Games is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary heights that women can reach when given the opportunity to shine.

We must encourage our girls to get educated as most sporting facilities are only available in schools. With 2024 named the year of education by the African Union, it’s time all 55 countries represented at the games explore new ways to keep girls in school in order to take advantage of the many opportunities available in sports.

Written by Adesewa Olofinko (African Union Media Fellow, 2023)