Team Nigeria‘s participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics ended in disappointment as the country failed to secure a single medal. Despite significant investments in the team, the 88 athletes across 12 disciplines fell short of the podium, marking the eighth Olympic Games without a medal for Nigeria.
The outcome stands in stark contrast to the achievements of athletes with Nigerian heritage competing for other nations. Collectively, these athletes won four medals, a tally nearly equalling Nigeria’s best Olympic performance.
While countries like Kenya, Algeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Egypt, Botswana, Uganda, and Morocco secured medals, Nigeria’s empty-handed return raises questions about resource allocation and talent development.
The performances of athletes of Nigerian descent underscore the nation’s rich sporting potential. As Nigeria reflects on this Olympic campaign, it must address the systemic issues hindering its athletes’ success and explore strategies to nurture talent domestically.
Salwa Eid Naser: From Onitsha to Olympic Silver
Salwa Eid Naser, born Ebelechukwu Agbapuonwu, has made history by clinching the silver medal in the women’s 400m at the Paris 2024 Olympics, representing Bahrain.
Hailing from Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria, Naser’s journey to the Olympic podium is a testament to her talent and determination. She honed her skills at Ado Girls Secondary School, Onitsha, where she clinched the Nigerian School Sports title in 2013.
Seeking greater opportunities, Naser decided to relocate to Bahrain in 2014. Ten years later, she stood on the Olympic stage, securing a silver medal with an impressive time of 48.53 seconds.
Naser’s achievement underscores the rich talent pool in Nigeria and the potential for Nigerian athletes to excel on the global stage.
Echikunwoke’s Olympics Silver Journey
Annette Echikunwoke’s silver medal in the women’s hammer throw at the Paris 2024 Olympics is a testament to her athletic prowess. However, the journey to the podium finish was marked by significant challenges. Born in Ohio to Nigerian parents, Echikunwoke initially aspired to represent Nigeria.
She broke the African record in her first trip to the country, gearing up to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Tragically, her Olympic dream was shattered when she was disqualified due to Nigeria’s failure to comply with anti-doping regulations. The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) could not provide the required number of out-of-competition tests, leading to the disqualification of 10 athletes, including Echikunwoke.
Devastated by the news, Echikunwoke shifted her focus to representing the United States. Her perseverance paid off in Paris, where she secured a historic silver medal. While her achievement is undoubtedly a cause for celebration, it also serves as a stark reminder of the missed opportunities for Nigeria due to administrative shortcomings. Echikunwoke’s story highlights the complexities faced by athletes with dual citizenship and the crucial role of national sports federations in supporting their athletes.
Nigerian Roots, German Gold for Ogunleye
Yemisi Ogunleye, a German shot putter with Nigerian roots, etched her name in Olympic history books by winning gold in the women’s shot put at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Ogunleye was born in Germany to a Nigerian father from Omuo-Ekiti in Ekiti State.
The victory marked Germany’s first gold in the event since Astrid Kumbernuss’s triumph in 1996, showcasing Ogunleye’s exceptional talent and determination.
Competing at the iconic Stade de France on Friday, 9 August, Ogunleye’s throw of 20.00m secured her the top spot on the podium, capping off a remarkable breakout season. Reflecting on her achievement, she said, “My goal coming into these championships was 20m. That was the distance that I threw just once in Glasgow. I knew I was capable of throwing such distances. In the Olympic competitions, it is necessary to bring all the best you have because you only have this chance once.”
Ogunleye’s rise to Olympic glory is nothing short of extraordinary. Before May 2023, she had never thrown beyond 19 metres, and her trophy cabinet was empty of national, European, or world championship medals until February 2024. Yet, by the end of the year, she emerged as an Olympic champion, having also claimed two national championships, a bronze at the 2024 European Athletics Championships, and a silver at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships.
Nigerian-Born Omorodion Stars for Spain
Samu Omorodion, born in Melilla, a Spanish enclave, to Nigerian parents, played a key role in Spain’s victory in the men’s football event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 20-year-old forward, who moved to Seville at a young age, is also eligible to play for Nigeria but chose to represent Spain.
Omorodion was part of the Spanish squad that triumphed over host nation France, securing a 5-3 win in extra time to claim the Olympic gold. Although he scored only once during the tournament, in a 2-1 group stage loss to Egypt, his contributions were vital to Spain’s overall success.
Adeleke’s Fourth Place in Olympic 400m Final
Rhasidat Adeleke, a 21-year-old European silver medallist, was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland to Nigerian parents, narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal, finishing fourth in the women’s 400m final at Paris 2024 with a time of 49.28 seconds.
The sprinter was edged out of the bronze medal position by Poland’s Natalia Kaczmarek, who had also beaten her to gold in the European final in June.
Adeleke, who qualified for the final was aiming to become the first Irish athlete to win a track and field medal at the Olympics since Rob Heffernan did so retrospectively at London 2012.
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