Nigeria is set to participate in at least 11 events at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics in France. The Nigerian athletes will compete in Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Canoeing, Cycling, Football, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Weightlifting, and Wrestling.
Nigeria is currently ranked as the 9th most successful African country in the Olympics, with a total of 3 gold, 11 silver, and 13 bronze medals. In comparison, Kenya and South Africa lead the continent with 113 and 89 medals, respectively.
One of the most notable moments in African Olympic history occurred in 1996, when Chioma Ajunwa became the first black African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event. Additionally, Nigeria’s “Dream Team” U-23 team made headlines by winning an Olympic gold medal in football, defeating Brazil in the semi-finals and Argentina in the final.
In 2000, Cameroon triumphed over Spain in the final of the Sydney Olympic Games, becoming the second African team to win a gold medal in men’s football.
During the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge solidified his status as the greatest marathon runner of all time by becoming the third man in history to win two Olympic marathon titles. Fellow Kenyan Faith Kipyegon also showed exceptional determination by securing gold medals at both the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Ethiopian long-distance runner Kenenisa Bekele achieved a remarkable feat at the 2008 Beijing Olympics by winning both the 5000m and 10000m finals, setting records in both events.
For the Paris 2024 Olympics, world record holder Tobi Amusan has been named Nigeria’s flagbearer for the opening ceremony. Known for her impressive performances in the 100m hurdles, Amusan will lead the Nigerian contingent during the parade of nations at the opening ceremony on Friday.
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