African Esther Kolawole, who won a gold medal at the Games, is determined to win a medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after securing her spot at the qualifiers in Egypt, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
Kolawole beat Angelina Rodrigues of Cape Verde with a score of 10-0 (Technical Superiority) in the women’s 62kg at the 2024 African/Oceanic Olympic Qualifiers in Alexandria, Egypt.
The U-23 World bronze medalist noted that she can make a huge impact at this year's Olympic Games, saying, "I am very confident I can make an impact at the big stage, with God all things are possible. My coach told me after I got a ticket to Paris that I have every chance of winning a medal at the Olympics.
"He said I just need to focus on my mindset, work harder and add a few things to my wrestling, I got the message and am ready to make an impact on the big stage.
"The atmosphere at the African/Oceania Qualifiers was quite different from the usual tournament. It looked distinct because of the two continents coming together to compete, the competition arena was set up like the Olympics stage. Thank God for the experienced coaches and the pep talk from Hon Daniel Igali, it reduced the pressure and I gained the confidence I needed.
The 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist then expressed her gratitude for the support she has received from the wrestling family.
"I feel great, happy, excited, very grateful to God Almighty. To my personal coach, Purity Akuh; President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, the board of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, my family and my training partners, I really appreciate their support and contributions towards my achievement," she said.
"I won a gold at the 13th African Games, gold at the 2024 African Wrestling Championships and I secured a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the African/Oceania Olympic qualification tournament in Egypt.
Kolawole is joined by five other Nigerians who have secured Olympic spots for the competition in Paris.
Odunayo Adekuoroye, Blessing Oborodudu, Hannah Reuben, Christiana Ogunsanya and Ashton Mutuwa have all qualified for the Games.
