At the Paris 2024 Olympics, several athletes of Nigerian descent made notable contributions while competing for other nations, highlighting Nigeria’s global impact on sports. Although these athletes were born or connected to Nigeria, they represented countries such as Germany, Bahrain, the United States, France, Great Britain, and Spain.
Their remarkable performances included gold in shot put, silver in the 400m and hammer throw, and success in men’s football, showcasing their exceptional skills and continuing the legacy of Nigerian excellence in international sports.
Nigeria’s Medal Disappointment
Despite a strong roster, Nigeria’s athletes left the Paris 2024 Olympics without securing any medals, marking one of the country’s most disappointing Olympic outings in recent years. The closest Nigeria came to a podium finish was in athletics, where several athletes reached the finals but did not win medals.
This result contrasts sharply with Nigeria’s standout performance at the Atlanta 1996 Games, where the nation won six medals, including gold in men’s football and women’s long jump. The 2024 Games reflect a challenging period for Nigeria’s sports development, reminiscent of the 2012 London Olympics, where the country also failed to win medals.
Paris 2024 Medal Standings
The Paris 2024 Olympics concluded on August 11, 2024, with the United States leading the medal table with 126 medals (40 gold, 44 silver, 42 bronze). China followed with 91 medals, and Japan secured third place with 45 medals. Host nation France finished fifth with 64 medals, with other top performers including Australia, Great Britain, and the Netherlands.
Nigerian Athletes Making Their Mark
Eight athletes of Nigerian descent achieved notable success representing other nations:
- Yemisi Ogunleye (Germany): Gold in Women’s Shot Put. Ogunleye, born in Germany to a Nigerian father, won Germany’s first gold in this event since 1996.
- Salwa Eid Naser (Bahrain): Silver in Women’s 400m. Originally Ebelechukwu Agbapuonwu from Nigeria, Naser has been a dominant force in track and field since switching allegiance to Bahrain in 2014.
- Annette Echikunwoke (USA): Silver in Women’s Hammer Throw. Born in Ohio to Nigerian parents, Echikunwoke added to her growing reputation in field events.
- Michael Olise (France): Silver in Men’s Football. Olise, with Nigerian heritage, played a key role in France’s football team.
- Samu Omorodion (Spain): Gold in Men’s Football. Omorodion, eligible to represent Nigeria, won gold with Spain.
- Barthelemy Chinenyeze (France): Gold in Men’s Volleyball. Chinenyeze led the French volleyball team to victory.
- Victoria Ohuruogu (Great Britain): Bronze in Women’s 4x400m Relay. Ohuruogu, the younger sister of former Olympic gold medalist Christine Ohuruogu, contributed to Britain’s success.
- Femi “Bam” Adebayo (USA): Gold in Men’s Basketball. Adebayo, born to a Nigerian father, played a crucial role in the USA team’s gold medal win.
Looking Ahead: Paralympics and Future Prospects
As attention shifts to the Paralympic Games, Nigeria, traditionally strong in powerlifting and athletics, is expected to make a strong showing. With the next Summer Olympics set for Los Angeles in 2028, there is optimism that Nigeria can improve its performance and regain its standing on the global sports stage.
Sports development minister, Senator John Owan-Enoh, announced a budget of over N12 billion for Nigeria’s preparation and participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, with N9 billion allocated for the Olympics and N3 billion for the Paralympics.
In conclusion, while the Paris 2024 Olympics were challenging for Nigeria, the nation’s athletes have opportunities for redemption in future competitions. With strategic investments and improvements, Nigeria can aim for a more successful outcome in Los Angeles 2028 and continue to build on its sports legacy.
