A Year of Triumphs: Nigerian Athletes Shine on the Global Stage
The year 2024 etched itself into the annals of Nigerian sports history, a year of unprecedented achievements and record-breaking performances across a diverse spectrum of disciplines. From the football pitch to the boxing ring, the Paralympic arena to the cricket field, Nigerian athletes showcased their exceptional talent, resilience, and unwavering determination, capturing the attention of the world and inspiring a nation. This remarkable success story highlights not only individual brilliance but also the potential of Nigerian sports to flourish with continued investment and support.
Ademola Lookman’s coronation as the 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year symbolized the pinnacle of his meteoric rise. His journey from the challenging streets of South London to becoming the seventh Nigerian to claim this prestigious award is a testament to his perseverance and unwavering focus. His Europa League heroics, including a historic hat-trick that secured Atalanta’s victory and earned him a rare 10 rating from L’Equipe, further solidified his position among football’s elite. Lookman’s ongoing success in the 2024/25 season and his Ballon d’Or nomination underscore his impact on the global stage.
Elizabeth Oshoba’s extraordinary journey from humble beginnings in Ogun State to becoming Nigeria’s first female boxing world champion is an inspiring tale of dedication and triumph over adversity. Her rigorous training regimen, including sparring with male boxers, prepared her for the challenges of professional boxing. Oshoba’s dominant performances culminated in a historic knockout victory that secured the WBC silver featherweight championship, marking a groundbreaking achievement for Nigerian women’s boxing. Her rapid ascent through the ranks, from local victories in Nigeria to international triumphs in the UK, showcases her exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to her craft.
William Troost-Ekong’s resurgence as the Most Valuable Player at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations underscores the power of perseverance and self-belief. After a period of being overlooked for national team selection, Ekong returned to the Eagles with renewed determination, becoming a cornerstone of Nigeria’s defense and a key contributor to their run to the final. His historic goal-scoring feats, including becoming the first defender since 2010 to score three goals in a single AFCON tournament and Nigeria’s highest-scoring defender in AFCON history, solidified his status as a national hero. His leadership qualities, unwavering confidence, and ability to perform under pressure were instrumental in Nigeria’s success.
The Nigerian U-19 women’s cricket team achieved a historic milestone by securing Africa’s sole ticket to the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s World Cup. Their unbeaten run through the qualifiers in Rwanda, marked by dominant victories over Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, showcased their remarkable talent and teamwork. This momentous achievement, only the second time Nigeria has qualified for a cricket World Cup, signals the growing prominence of women’s cricket in the country and the potential for future success on the global stage. This success underscores the importance of continued investment in youth development and the potential for Nigerian cricket to reach new heights.
D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, made history at the Paris Olympics by becoming the first African basketball team to reach the quarterfinals. Their stunning opening game victory over Australia set the tone for a memorable tournament, showcasing their remarkable progress under coach Rena Wakama, who was subsequently recognized as the Best Female Basketball Coach at the Games. Their impressive performance resulted in a significant rise in FIBA world rankings, solidifying their position as Africa’s top-ranked team and a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. Their fourth consecutive AfroBasket title further cemented their dominance in African basketball.
Folashade Oluwafemiayo’s record-breaking performance at the Paris Paralympics was a testament to her unwavering dedication and exceptional strength. The para-powerlifter not only defended her title but also became the first female para-athlete to lift 167kg, shattering her own world record in the process. Her resilience in the face of physical challenges and her unwavering focus on her goals have made her an inspiration to athletes worldwide. Her success, combined with the overall strong performance of Nigeria’s para-powerlifters, highlighted the country’s growing prominence in Paralympic sports.
Eniola Bolaji’s historic bronze medal in Para-Badminton at the Paralympics marked a breakthrough for both Nigeria and the African continent. As the first African athlete to win a medal in this sport at the Paralympics, Bolaji’s achievement is a testament to her talent and perseverance. Her victory, dedicated to her late coach, resonated deeply with the nation and underscored the importance of mentoring and support in nurturing young athletes.
Nigeria’s impressive second-place finish at the 13th African Games in Ghana, with a remarkable haul of 120 medals, showcased the emergence of a new generation of talented athletes. From track and field to wrestling and boxing, young Nigerian athletes demonstrated their potential to excel on the continental stage. These promising athletes represent the future of Nigerian sports and their successes bode well for the country’s continued growth in international competitions. The emergence of these young stars signals a bright future for Nigerian sports.
Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella played instrumental roles in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga double, marking a significant achievement for Nigerian footballers in European club football. Boniface’s impactful performances, despite injury setbacks, and Tella’s valuable contributions throughout the season were crucial to Leverkusen’s success. Their combined efforts helped propel the club to their maiden Bundesliga title and their first domestic double, ending a long wait for major silverware and showcasing the increasing influence of Nigerian players in top European leagues.
The collective accomplishments of Nigerian athletes in 2024 represent a watershed moment in the nation’s sporting history. These achievements not only bring immense pride to the country but also inspire future generations of athletes to pursue their dreams with passion and dedication. The success of these athletes serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of sport and its ability to unite a nation. With continued investment and support, Nigerian sports has the potential to reach even greater heights on the global stage.
