By Efosa Taiwo.
The Olympics are extremely important for Nigerian sports and athletes, and this year’s games in Paris are no exception.
Nojeem Maiyegun won bronze in the men’s light middleweight boxing division at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, giving the country its first major Olympic medal.
Nigeria’s most impressive football achievement came at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics, when the Dream Team astonished the football world by defeating Brazil and Argentina on their route to the gold medal.
Chioma Ajunwa, on the other hand, won gold in the women’s long jump at Atlanta, becoming Nigeria’s first and only Olympic gold medalist.
The 2024 Paris Olympics begin on July 26, with Nigeria competing in 11 disciplines, including football, basketball, long jump, and weightlifting.
82 Nigerian athletes will compete, and here are some Nigerian talents to watch:
Tobi Amusan, a Nigerian athlete, is expected to watch the Paris Olympics.
Amusan, a 100m hurdles world record holder, is leading Nigeria’s campaign on the track. With her remarkable form, Nigeria has a good chance of adding to its Olympic gold medal tally, which presently stands at three since the country’s debut in 1964.
Ese Brume.
Born in the year Nigeria won its first Olympic gold, the 28-year-old Brume hopes to follow in the footsteps of Chioma Ajunwa and win gold in the long jump in Paris. Brume is the current Commonwealth champion and a three-time African senior champion, with both the Commonwealth Games and African long jump records.
Chukwuebuka Enekwech
Enekwech returns to the Olympics after winning the African shot put championship. At 31, he represents a significant medal possibility for Nigeria.
Favour Ashe
The 22-year-old Ashe recently established a new personal best of 9.94 seconds in the men’s 100m at the NCAA East Prelims. This is the NCAA’s fastest time for 2024, and the second quickest globally this year. Ashe is a promising athlete who could have a big influence in Paris. All Nigerian track and field events are broadcast live on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv.
Following their penalty-shootout loss to England in the World Cup, the Super Falcons have a new opportunity to shine at the Olympics, beginning with their first match against Brazil on July 25. As the current African Footballer of the Year, Oshoala is an important figure to watch as the Super Falcons strive to make Nigeria proud.