Sports
Rio 2016: Truth Behind Mistaken Nigerian Olympic Medal
Nigeria’s Olympic rower
Chierika Ukogu has an inspirational story – but without the mistaken promotion of US rapper Snoop Dogg, she is likely to have sunk without trace.
The 23-year-old crowdfunded her way to Rio to compete in the women’s single sculls, but finished 20th in the finals last Saturday.
However, six days later Snoop Dogg posted a photo of Ukogu on Instagram, telling his nearly 12 million followers that she had won a silver medal – Nigeria’s first at these Games:
We all have to admit that following the Olympics can be confusing, with heats and umpteen rounds before the finals.
Ukogu did get through her heats, and made the quarter-finals, but needed to finish in the top three to progress to the semis with a chance of getting a medal.
She came fifth in her race so was demoted to the “C/D” semis and final. In her “final D” race she came second, but her time of 7:44:76 put her 18 places below silver.
What may have led Snoop Dogg up the garden path was a tweet last Saturday suggesting she had won silver for Nigeria:
More of such tweets appeared on Friday – though it’s not clear if this was before or after Snoop Dogg instagrammed.
At the time of writing, his post had nearly 97,000 likes and more than 1,000 comments, some of which pointed out that it was not true – with others saying Ukogu was still impressive and made Nigerians proud.
“We have to celebrate her for the sacrifices and selfless service to the nation,” posted Olufemisylvester.
And there is no denying that Chierika Ukogu has made history.
She is the first athlete to represent Nigeria in a rowing event at the Olympics.
Known to her friends as “Coco”, she raised $15,000 (£11,400) herself as she said the Nigerian Rowing Federation was not able to give her financial support.
She was born in the US to Nigeria parents and became hooked on rowing at senior school. She continued to row at university – she plans to become a doctor.
“I put medical school on hold to dedicate my time to training,” she said on her GoFundMe page.
“I hope that my athletic endeavours will inspire other Nigerians to take up rowing and experience the same joy I feel every time I’m on the water.”
Her enthusiasm is a soothing balm to what has been a bumpy Rio ride for Nigeria – Africa’s most populous nation.
The men’s football team, who eventually beat Honduras to win bronze was Nigeria’s only realistic medal hope.
The footballers only arrived hours before their first match. They had been delayed in the US city of Atlanta because of problems paying for their flight.
And Nigeria’s Olympic kit only turned up a few days ago, after most athletes had completed their events.
For the popular Nigerian actress Genevieve Nnaji, Ukogu’s success was all about “girl power”.
Nnaji posted her praise on Instagram on Friday, but did not make the mistake about the medal.
She said: “That’s how we change the narrative. Stop asking your country what she’s done for you and start asking what you can do for her.”
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.