Benjamin Joseph
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, athletes of Nigerian descent showcased their exceptional talent while competing for other nations, earning accolades and demonstrating the global reach of Nigerian prowess.
Notable Achievements:
1. Yemisi Ogunleye (Germany):
Gold in Women’s Shot Put. This victory marked Germany’s first gold in this event since 1996.
2. Salwa Eid Naser (Bahrain):
Silver in Women’s 400m. Formerly known as Ebelechukwu Agbapuonwu, Naser continues her dominance in track and field.
3. Annette Echikunwoke (USA):
Silver in Women’s Hammer Throw, adding to her growing reputation in field events.
4. Michael Olise (France):
Silver in Men’s Football. Olise’s contributions were crucial to France’s success in the tournament.
5. Samu Omorodion (Spain):
Gold in Men’s Football, making a significant mark while representing Spain.
6. Barthelemy Chinenyeze (France):
Gold in Men’s Volleyball, leading his team to victory.
7. Victoria Ohuruogu (Great Britain):
Bronze in Women’s 4x400m Relay, following in the footsteps of her Olympic gold medalist sister.
8. Femi “Bam” Adebayo (USA):
Gold in Men’s Basketball, a key player for the USA team.
Nigeria’s Olympic struggles
On the other hand, Nigeria’s performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics was disappointing. Despite a strong roster, Nigeria failed to win a single medal, echoing the lackluster results from the 2012 London Olympics. This outcome highlights ongoing challenges in the country’s sports development and international competitiveness.
Olympic medal standings
The Paris 2024 Olympics concluded with the United States leading the medal tally, followed by China and Japan. France finished fifth, with other top nations including Australia, Great Britain, and the Netherlands.
Future investment
Looking ahead, the Nigerian government has committed over N12 billion for Team Nigeria’s preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics. This investment underscores a dedication to improving the nation’s future performance on the international stage.
