Atinuke Onabiyi: A Rising Star in Nigerian Shooting
Atinuke Onabiyi, a young shooting prodigy from Ogun State, Nigeria, has solidified her position as a dominant force in the sport by shattering the national record and securing a gold medal in the female individual 10m air rifle event at the 2025 National Youth Games held in Asaba. This achievement marks another milestone in her already impressive career, highlighting her dedication, talent, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. Onabiyi’s remarkable feat, scoring 551 points out of 600, not only surpassed her previous record of 507 points set at the 2024 Games but also eclipsed scores typically achieved by senior athletes. This exceptional performance underscores her rapid development and potential to reach even greater heights in the future.
Onabiyi’s journey to success is a testament to her unwavering commitment and the support she has received from her coach, family, and mentors. Her consistent training regimen, combined with meticulous mental preparation and the experience gained from previous competitions, has allowed her to consistently perform at the highest level. The young athlete attributes her competitive edge to a combination of factors, including her strong belief in her abilities, the unwavering support of her coach and family, and the valuable lessons learned from past experiences. She emphasizes the importance of self-belief, recalling how attending her first sports festival instilled in her the confidence to compete against others and strive for record-breaking performances.
Onabiyi’s coach, Idris Oguntayo, recognizes her exceptional talent and lauds her unwavering consistency since she first embarked on her shooting journey at the age of ten. He emphasizes the significance of her unbroken streak of podium finishes in every competition she has entered, highlighting her ability to consistently deliver remarkable results. Oguntayo describes Onabiyi as a gifted athlete, a blessing not only to her family but also to Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole. He strongly advocates for increased institutional support to enable Onabiyi to compete on continental and global platforms, believing that with the right opportunities, she can achieve even greater success and bring further glory to the nation.
Onabiyi’s remarkable achievements have positioned her as a role model for aspiring young athletes in Nigeria. Her story is an inspiration to those pursuing their sporting dreams. She is a symbol of what is possible through hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in one’s abilities. Onabiyi’s pursuit of excellence, coupled with her humble demeanor, has made her a beacon of hope for the future of Nigerian shooting and beyond. Onabiyi’s success transcends sporting achievements and speaks to the power of perseverance and mentorship. The support she has received from her coach and her family has been instrumental in her development, and her story underlines their importance in nurturing young talent.
Onabiyi’s talents extend beyond shooting, encompassing a variety of disciplines, including archery, where she has also achieved significant success on both national and international stages. This multi-faceted talent further underscores her exceptional athleticism and dedication to excellence in multiple sporting arenas. Her ability to balance her athletic pursuits with academic studies speaks volumes about her discipline and time management skills. The combination of natural talent, nurtured by effective coaching and a supportive environment, has allowed Onabiyi to flourish and establish herself as a rising star in multiple sports.
Looking ahead, Onabiyi’s future in shooting appears bright, with the potential to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Her exceptional performances and unwavering dedication suggest that she is on a trajectory for continued success, and with appropriate support, she can represent Nigeria on the world stage. Onabiyi’s consistent efforts and commitment to improvement indicate that she is determined to push her boundaries and achieve even greater things. Her meteoric rise in the sport of shooting underlines the potential for untapped talent within Nigeria and the importance of fostering and nurturing it to reach its full potential. With the right backing and mentorship, Onabiyi could become a global icon, further inspiring young athletes across the country and highlighting Nigeria’s potential on the international stage. Her remarkable journey embodies the spirit of perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence, qualities that are vital not only in sports but also across all aspects of life.
