Nigerian rapper Blaqbonez has expressed his disappointment after finding out that Rhasidat Adeleke, who won her heat in the 400-metres women’s race, is not representing ‘Team Nigeria’ at the ongoing Olympics.
The Chocolate City rap artist had thought Adeleke, apparently of Nigerian descent, was representing his country, only to discover that she had represented the Republic of Ireland.
The 21-year-old athlete won her heat in the 400 metres in 50.09s, boasting the seventh fastest qualifying time.
Rhasidat Adeleke, in her distinctive green track, gallantly galloped to the finish line, winning her heat with ease as she appeared to jog in the later part of the race.
I saw her win her heat so easily, basically jogged to the finish line, way ahead of everyone else, was mad excited till i heard “the irish are excited for her”. irish???? 😞 pic.twitter.com/PlJqGa01eD
— Emeka Must Shine ‘23 ✨ (@BlaqBonez) August 5, 2024
What Blaqbonez said
Blaqbonez, who was apparently confused by the name, and Nigerian-like track design, was excited to see the Irish athlete emerge as the winner. However, his joy was dashed at the realisation that Adeleke was not representing ‘Team Nigeria’.
”I saw her win her heat so easily, basically jogged to the finish line, way ahead of everyone else, was mad excited till i heard “the irish are excited for her”. irish????,” Blaqbones wrote on his account on X.
Rhasidat Adeleke among several athletes who have represented other nations
Rhasidhat Adeleke is just one of numerous Nigerian-born athletes who have represented other nations at the Olympics, with Francis Obikwelu being one of the most notable names in this bracket, having represented Portugal at Athens 2004, where he won silver.
Many believe most of these athletes opt to represent other nations due to inadequate support and organisation within Nigeria’s athletics body, with Favour Ofili’s case serving as a prime example.
Ofili was denied the opportunity to compete for a medal in the 100-metres race by negligent officials despite being eligible to participate.
However, the 21-year-old has shown her abilities in the 200-metres cstegory after making it to the finals, emerging second in her heat with a season best (SB) of 22.05s, only behind 100-metres Olympics champion Julien Alfred.
