ICYMI: Nigerians Who Claimed Medals for Other Nations at Paris 2024 Olympics

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, athletes of Nigerian descent made notable contributions while representing other nations.

These athletes, though connected to Nigeria, chose to compete under the flags of countries like Germany, Bahrain, the United States, France, Great Britain, and Spain.

Their performances not only brought them individual glory but also highlighted the global reach of Nigerian talent.

From winning gold in shot put to securing silver in the 400m, hammer throw, and men’s football, these athletes showcased exceptional skill, continuing Nigeria’s legacy in international sports.

Nigeria’s Medal-Less Run

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s contingent left the tournament without securing a single medal, marking one of the country’s most disappointing Olympic outings in recent times. Despite a strong roster, Nigeria’s closest attempt at a medal came in athletics, where a few athletes made it to the finals but failed to reach the podium.

This result is a stark contrast to Nigeria’s best Olympic performance at the 1996 Atlanta Games, where the nation won six medals, including gold in men’s football and women’s long jump. The 2024 outing is comparable to the 2012 London Olympics, where Nigeria also failed to win any medals, underscoring ongoing challenges in the country’s sports development and international competition.

The Paris 2024 Olympics concluded on August 11, 2024, with the United States leading the medal table with 126 medals (40 gold, 44 silver, and 42 bronze). China followed with 91 medals, and Japan finished third with 45. The host nation, France, secured 64 medals, placing fifth.

N9bn Budget

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan-Enoh, stated that President Bola Tinubu approved over N12bn for Team Nigeria’s preparation and participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics. This budget included N9bn for the Olympics and N3bn for the Paralympics.

Notable Athletes of Nigerian Descent at Paris 2024:

1. Yemisi Ogunleye (Germany):

– Event: Women’s Shot Put

– Medal: Gold

Ogunleye, born in Germany to a Nigerian father, won gold in women’s shot put, Germany’s first in the event since 1996.

2. Salwa Eid Naser (Bahrain):

– Event: Women’s 400m

– Medal: Silver

Born as Ebelechukwu Agbapuonwu in Nigeria, Naser claimed silver in the 400m for Bahrain, continuing her dominance in track and field.

3. Annette Echikunwoke (USA):

– Event: Women’s Hammer Throw

– Medal: Silver

Born to Nigerian parents in Ohio, Echikunwoke won silver in the hammer throw for the USA, adding to her growing reputation in field events.

4. Michael Olise (France):

– Event: Men’s Football

– Medal: Silver

Olise, born to a Nigerian father, played a crucial role in France’s men’s football team, winning a silver medal.

5. Samu Omorodion (Spain):

– Event: Men’s Football

– Medal: Gold

Omorodion represented Spain and won gold in men’s football, though he remains eligible to represent Nigeria.

6. Barthelemy Chinenyeze (France):

– Event: Men’s Volleyball

– Medal: Gold

– Chinenyeze was instrumental in leading France to a gold medal in men’s volleyball.

7. Victoria Ohuruogu (Great Britain):

– Event: 4x400m Relay

– Medal: Bronze

Ohuruogu, representing Great Britain, won bronze in the women’s 4x400m relay, continuing her family’s Olympic legacy.

8. Femi “Bam” Adebayo (USA):

– Event:  Men’s Basketball

– Medal: Gold

Bam Adebayo, a prominent NBA player, played a key role in the USA men’s basketball team, securing a gold medal.

Paralympics – Nigeria’s Hope?

The next Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles in 2028, offering Nigeria another chance to improve its performance. With the right investments in sports infrastructure, training, and athlete support, there is hope for a strong comeback.

Attention will now turn to the Paralympic Games, where Nigeria has traditionally excelled, especially in powerlifting and athletics. Expectations are high for Nigeria’s Paralympians to continue their success and bring pride to the nation.

In conclusion, while the Paris 2024 Olympics presented challenges for Nigeria, the future holds opportunities for redemption. By learning from this experience and focusing on areas of improvement, Nigeria can aim for a more successful outcome in Los Angeles 2028. As preparations for the Paralympics and future competitions continue, optimism remains that Nigeria will once again shine on the world stage.