YES! Nigeria’s Chierika Ukogu qualifies for Semifinals of Rowing Event at #RioOlympics2016

We are just so proud of Team Nigeria!

Chierika ‘Coco’ Ukogu, 23, the first person to represent Nigeria in Rowing at the Olympics, today qualified for the semifinals of the event.

Ukogu’s story is so inspiring because she chose to represent her country, Nigeria, even without support. She sponsored her Olympics campaign herself through a GoFundMe Page she created.

She took it upon herself to get the necessary training and preparation to make sure she displays peak performance at the Olympics.

Nigerians have taken to Twitter to celebrate Ukogu and her worthy achievement.

Chierika Ukogu shows us how determination & self motivation can move us farther than the expected limit. Go girl

— Adelayo Fawole (@AdelayoFawole) August 9, 2016

HISTORY: #NGR first rower at the #Olympics Chierika Ukogu ?? to women’s single sculls Semifinals #rowing (?/@cukogu) pic.twitter.com/Th8y6my3J0

— Athletics Africa (@athleticsafrica) August 9, 2016

Go the extra mile,blaze new trail and see success come your way.moral of chierika ukogu story pic.twitter.com/F4mwex5LuI

— Naija_Ghost (@Unbranded_Dozy) August 9, 2016

So so delighted to hear about Chierika Ukogu the Nigerian woman rower making it to the semi-final

— Mayowa Olajide (@Mayorxxxy) August 9, 2016

Been a long time v felt proud like this.. thanks to Chierika Ukogu for letting out ths feeling after a long time!

— Follow bk plz (@EliasChy) August 9, 2016

@ClassicFM973 #nra we must take out 2 congratulate Chierika Ukogu she qualified Nigeria to Semi finals in Rowing @ d Rio Games.Self prepared

— Mezie (@chimezieuuche) August 9, 2016

Woooooohooooo Chierika Ukogu made it to the semis. Go girl, you are making heaven proud. God bless you all the way. pic.twitter.com/BvSepx7N10

— Martins Oh! (@transcube) August 9, 2016

Chierika Ukogu’s story is one that would motivate you to aim for success, even in the midst of zero support.

— Wale Adetona (@iSlimfit) August 9, 2016

Thank you Chierika Ukogu, for choosing #Nigeria when you could have opt for USA, thank you more for making us proud! pic.twitter.com/kQ7mqb2fJK

— Dazprojects (@dazprojects) August 9, 2016

Today, take a moment to celebrate Chierika Ukogu & other athletes making us proud by giving their best for self & country. We RISE with ’em!

— Juliet ‘Kego (@julietkego) August 9, 2016

Aruna Quadri & Chierika Ukogu are keeping the Green
White Green flag flying as both qualified into quarterfinals & semifinals respectively

— Nuatin️™ (@AreYourOrLah) August 9, 2016

Go for Gold Ukogu!

Photo Credit: Philipp Schmidli/Getty Images