Nigeria’s former President, Goodluck Jonathan has commended Divine Oduduru, the Nigerian sprinter who came in second behind Usain Bolt in Rio Olympics’ 200m heat 9.

“Brilliant race by Oduduru. Gold is within reach. Don’t be intimidated. We are all inspired by your exploit in Rio,” the former president tweeted.

Brilliant race by Oduduru. Gold is within reach. Don’t be intimidated. We are all inspired by your exploit in Rio. pic.twitter.com/PMUUjwxHlO

— Goodluck E. Jonathan (@GEJonathan) August 16, 2016

“Brilliant race by Oduduru. Gold is within reach. Don’t be intimidated. We are all inspired by your exploit in Rio,” the former president tweeted with Oduduru and Usain Bolt’s picture.

Brilliant race by Oduduru. Gold is within reach. Don’t be intimidated. We are all inspired by your exploit in Rio. pic.twitter.com/PMUUjwxHlO

— Goodluck E. Jonathan (@GEJonathan) August 16, 2016

Senate president Bukola Saraki also commended the sprinter.

Great performance from Divine Oduduru. Missed the race but just saw the clip. I have no doubt that he has what it takes to be number 1. #Rio

— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) August 16, 2016

Oduduru came in second behind defending champion Usain Bolt in heat 9 to qualify for the semi finals.

The 19-year-old ran a time of 20.34s behind Bolt who came in at 20.28s.

Many Nigerians have also been cheering the sprinter on on social media. All eyes will be on him on Thursday as he tries to race for a position in the finals.

Here are some of the reactions:

While you are deciding whose Rio story inspires you, Divine Oduduru is our NO 1. #NoContest

— SureGifts (@suregifts_ng) August 17, 2016

Keep seeing the fault in Divine Oduduru and he is been in his best and writing his name in the great book of Athletes. Go on oshare.

— Success Adams (@12SAdams) August 17, 2016

Divine Oduduru and a fan… He never Espererred it…………… pic.twitter.com/gHP29OWlk1

— PREMIUM TWEEP (@XANTAPLUS) August 16, 2016

From today I’m going into any Exam with Divine Oduduru enthusiasm.
“I don’t care who the lecturer is!”
Borrofus are going to die on d line!

— Nkereuwem (@albertnk_) August 16, 2016

Divine Oduduru has made me soooo happy this day, please give him one beer for me pic.twitter.com/Mvv5SQQNs8

— JejeMarketDotCom (@TWEETEST_BOI) August 16, 2016