Despite not securing medals at the Paris Olympic Games, Nigerian athletes have continued to make a lasting impact on the world stage in 2024, showcasing remarkable talent and determination across various sports.
One of the standout performers of the year was Ademola Lookman, who was awarded the prestigious African Footballer of the Year title by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Lookman’s exceptional season included playing a key role in Nigeria’s run to the Africa Cup of Nations final and scoring a hat-trick to help Atalanta win their first major title in 60 years. His win marked the seventh time a Nigerian has claimed the award, following Victor Osimhen’s victory the previous year.
In athletics, Samuel Ogazi emerged as one of Nigeria’s brightest stars, securing a spot in the 400m final at the Paris Olympics and finishing 7th in one of the most thrilling 400m races in Olympic history. Favour Ashe also made history, becoming the first man in 2024 to break the 10-second barrier in the 100m, before reaching the Olympic semifinals. Fellow sprinter Godson Brume had a breakthrough year, although injury prevented him from competing in the Olympics, his talent and promise for the future remain clear.
The dominant long jumper Ese Brume continued to shine, defending her African Games title and making history with Nigeria’s best-ever performance in the women’s long jump at the Paris Olympics. Chidi Okezie also had a career-defining season, winning gold in the 400m at the African Games and helping secure Nigeria’s place in the Paris Olympics.
In football, Victor Osimhen made headlines with his unexpected move to Galatasaray, where he has been in stellar form, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in just 12 appearances. Meanwhile, Alex Iwobi has been a key player for Fulham, impressing with his dribbling and playmaking abilities, while William Troost-Ekong earned recognition as one of Nigeria’s top footballers.
Victor Boniface has been a revelation for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring 31 goals across all competitions and making waves as one of Europe’s top forwards. Meanwhile, Chiamaka Nnadozie solidified her legacy as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers, winning the CAF Best Goalkeeper award for the second consecutive year.
In the field of shot put, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi continued to set new records and push the limits of his discipline, including a Nigerian record at the Prefontaine Classic. Nigeria’s D’Tigress made history by reaching the Olympic basketball quarterfinals for the first time, with standout performances from Murjanatu Musa and Coach Rena Wakama.
Track star Favour Ofili made headlines by breaking a 14-year-old African record in the 300m, while Nigeria’s Paralympic team brought home seven medals, including two gold, at the 2024 Paris Games, with Folashade Oluwafemiayo setting a new world record in para-powerlifting.
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