Sports
Omoba Adegboyega Folaranmi Adedoyin, M.D.: Nigeria’s Pioneer Olympic Finalist and Medical Luminary
Omoba Adegboyega Folaranmi Adedoyin (1922–2014) holds a distinguished place in Nigerian history as a trailblazer in both sports and medicine. A royal by birth and a man of many talents, Adedoyin was the first Nigerian to compete in an Olympic final, leaving a legacy that bridges the worlds of athletics and professional healthcare.
Early Life and Royal Heritage
Born in 1922 into the royal Adedoyin family, Adegboyega Folaranmi Adedoyin was an Omoba—a Yoruba princely title indicating noble lineage. His early education and upbringing reflected a blend of traditional Nigerian values and British academic influence, positioning him for achievements that would resonate far beyond his homeland.
Athletic Achievements: A Nigerian Pioneer on the World Stage
Adedoyin rose to athletic prominence in the 1940s as an exceptional high jumper and long jumper. His most groundbreaking moment came during the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, where he represented Great Britain—a reflection of Nigeria’s colonial status at the time.
At these Olympics, he competed in both the high jump and long jump events, becoming the first Nigerian-born athlete to reach the final of an Olympic event.
His performance broke barriers, setting a precedent for Nigerian athletes and serving as an inspiration for future Olympians across West Africa.
In 1947, the year before the Olympics, Adedoyin solidified his status as a top-tier athlete by winning the high jump event at the AAA Championships in Loughborough, one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious track and field competitions.
His participation at this level, especially as a black African in post-war Britain, was not only rare but historically significant.
Academic and Medical Career
While his exploits on the track were remarkable, Adedoyin’s ambitions stretched far beyond sports. He enrolled at Queen’s University in Belfast, where he studied medicine, eventually earning his M.D. His success in both athletics and academics made him a rare example of balance and excellence in two demanding fields.
After completing his studies, Adedoyin returned to Nigeria, where he dedicated his life to obstetrics and gynecology, contributing to women’s health and medical practice at a time when the country was building its post-colonial healthcare infrastructure. His commitment to public service reflected the values of both his noble upbringing and his rigorous education.
Legacy and Impact
Dr. Adedoyin’s dual legacy as an Olympian and medical doctor underscores a life marked by dedication, resilience, and pioneering spirit. At a time when few Nigerians had the opportunity to compete internationally or access elite medical training, Adedoyin not only broke those barriers but excelled at the highest levels.
His story remains a source of pride in Nigeria’s sporting and medical communities. He paved the way for generations of Nigerian athletes, particularly those who would go on to shine in track and field at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. At the same time, he embodied the intellectual and professional potential of Nigerians on the global stage.
Omoba Adegboyega Folaranmi Adedoyin was more than a sportsman or a doctor—he was a pioneer, a symbol of excellence, and a bridge between tradition and modernity. From Olympic finals to hospital wards, his life’s work continues to inspire a new generation of Nigerians striving to make their mark across the world.
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Sports
Enoch Adeboye Tells Tinubu Why Coaches Deserve More Money Than Super Falcons Players After WAFCON Win
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has advised Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that the coaches of the Super Falcons should have been rewarded more generously than the players.
It was reports that President Tinubu rewarded the Super Falcons players with $100,000 each and a three-bedroom home for every team member, following their stunning comeback win at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
In addition, each member of the technical team is expected to get $50,000, along with a three-bedroom apartment in the Renewed Hope Housing Estate.
President Tinubu announced the rewards during a reception at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he also bestowed national honours on the players and officials.
During his Sunday service sermon at the Redeemed Christian Church of God earlier today, August 3, Pastor Adeboye expressed appreciation to the President for rewarding the players and coaches.
He, however, added that the Super Falcons players ought not to earn more than the coaches, stressing that the technical officials didn’t do less than the footballers. The 83-year-old pastor, who said he was a sportsman in his youth, stated that the players wouldn’t have won the WAFCON title without the wisdom of the coaches.
He said no matter how good the players are, if the coaches don’t tell them how to win, they might not be able to do much, stressing that it is the technical inputs of the tacticians that win games.
Pastor Adeboye said, “You need a coach to win; coaches have the knowledge and wisdom required to win. If you don’t know how to win, you will lose.”
He added, “To be a part of the winning team in life, you must know how to win. You need wisdom. Wisdom is better than strength.”
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D’Tigress of Nigeria have advanced to the final of the 2025 Women’s Afrobasket in Côte d’Ivoire following a hard-fought 75-68 victory over Senegal on Saturday, August 2.
The semi-final clash, held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, marks Nigeria’s fifth consecutive appearance in the tournament’s final since 2017.
Nigeria had earlier secured a semi-final berth after overpowering Cameroon in the quarter-final on Thursday. However, the game against long-time rivals Senegal proved to be a far more intense encounter.
The Senegalese team was coached by Otis Hughley, a familiar figure to Nigerian basketball fans. Hughley had previously led D’Tigress to three consecutive Afrobasket titles between 2017 and 2021, making this a high-stakes reunion on the court.
D’Tigress started strong, taking a 22-17 lead at the end of the first quarter. By halftime, Nigeria maintained the lead with a scoreline of 43-37, although Senegal narrowed the gap with increased defensive pressure.
The third quarter saw a shift in momentum. Nigeria’s scoring dipped significantly, managing only nine points, and the team trailed 58-52 heading into the final quarter.
However, D’Tigress regrouped and mounted a determined comeback in the final stretch. With improved turnovers, clutch shooting, and renewed energy, the team overturned the deficit and secured a 7-point win.
The Nigerian team will face either Mali in the final scheduled for Sunday, August 3.
D’Tigress are on the brink of making history by becoming the first nation to win five consecutive Women’s Afrobasket championships.
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Ajibade gave the testimony on Saturday, August 2, at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries’ (MFM) Prayer City in Ogun State.
Now a forward for Atletico Madrid and captain of Nigeria’s national women’s team, Ajibade led the Super Falcons to their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco. Speaking candidly, she credited her journey to both spiritual discipline and perseverance.
“Whenever things are tough at my club or with the national team, I pray. I do my part through hard work, but I never forget to seek God’s help,” she said.
Reflecting on her early days, she added, “I was one of those young girls hawking Olive oil, Kunu, and Zobo during deliverance programmes. But today, I give all the glory to God. Please, don’t give up—keep praying, keep fasting, keep working, and keep believing.”
Ajibade was named Player of the Tournament at WAFCON and earned three Woman of the Match awards. Although she scored just once, her impact throughout the competition was vital to Nigeria’s success.
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