Team Nigeria Clinch 4×400m Gold, Bag 29 Medals At Islamic Solidarity Games

Team Nigeria athletes at the ongoing 4×400m Gold Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, have continued to soar, with the country’s 4×400m mixed relay team claiming gold, and Esther Kolawole winning gold in the Women’s Freestyle 62kg.
Nigerians were in wild jubilation inside the Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Stadium as the quartet of Gafaru Atanda Badmus, Anita Enaruna, Ezekiel Asuquo, and Patience Okon George stormed to a stunning victory in the 4×400m mixed relay, crossing the finish line in 3:16.27 seconds.
It was a moment to remember, as a handful of jubilant Nigerians at the sports arena swayed, sang, and roared as the team dusted their opponents to seal what many described as the “perfect climax” to an unforgettable night for Team Nigeria.
The relay triumph added to a steadily growing list of podium finishes, bringing Nigeria’s tally on the penultimate day of the Islamic Solidarity Games to two gold and two silver medals across athletics, wrestling, and shot put. With their latest haul, Nigeria’s total medal count rose to 29,10 gold 12 silver and 7 bronze reaffirming the nation’s strong presence on the continental sporting stage.
The night’s success story began on the wrestling mat, where Esther Kolawole delivered a commanding performance to clinch gold in the Women’s Freestyle 62kg. Her victory was a statement of dominance and composure. In the same wrestling session, Damola Ojo fought valiantly but settled for silver, losing to Kyrgyzstan’s Aiperi Kyzy in the fiercely contested 76kg final.
Nigeria’s momentum continued in the field events. In the Women’s Shot Put final, Oyesade Olatoye showcased her trademark power and precision, launching the shot to a distance that secured her silver, finishing just behind Turkey’s Emel Dereli.
As the competition draws to a close tomorrow, hopes remain high for an even stronger finish. Nigeria is poised to add more medals to its tally, with world-renowned Para-Powerlifting champions Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Roland Ezuruike set to take center stage in what promises to be a thrilling battle for gold.
With the final events ahead, and fuelled by passion, resilience, and the unrelenting spirit that continues to inspire millions back home, Team Nigeria is on the brink of concluding the Games on a triumphant note.