At the Paris 2024 Olympics, several athletes of Nigerian descent made headlines by winning medals while representing other nations. These athletes, with deep connections to Nigeria, chose to compete under the flags of countries like Germany, Bahrain, the United States, France, Great Britain, and Spain. Their remarkable performances not only brought them personal glory but also highlighted the diverse and global nature of talent emerging from Nigeria.
From winning gold in shot put to securing silver in the 400 meters and hammer throw, and achieving victory in men’s football, these athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. They upheld a legacy of Nigerian excellence on the global stage, even as they competed for countries other than Nigeria.
However, in stark contrast to their achievements, Nigeria’s own contingent left the Paris 2024 Olympics without securing a single medal. This outcome marked one of the country’s most disappointing Olympic performances in recent memory. Despite having a strong roster of athletes, the closest Nigeria came to winning a medal was in athletics, where a few athletes made it to the finals but failed to reach the podium.
This result is a far cry from Nigeria’s best Olympic performance, which occurred at the Atlanta 1996 Games. During that historic event, the nation won six medals, including gold in men’s football and women’s long jump. In contrast, the 2024 outing could be considered among Nigeria’s worst, comparable to the 2012 London Olympics, where the country also failed to win any medals. This underscores the ongoing challenges Nigeria faces in sports development and international competition.
The Paris 2024 Olympics concluded on August 11, with the United States leading the medal table, securing a total of 126 medals, including 40 gold, 44 silver, and 42 bronze. China followed closely with 91 medals, while Japan rounded out the top three with 45 medals. Notably, the host nation, France, finished fifth with 64 medals. Other standout nations included Australia, Great Britain, and the Netherlands, all of which placed in the top ten.
In contrast to Nigeria’s uninspiring performance, several athletes of Nigerian descent stood out while representing other countries. These athletes not only won medals but also brought attention to the incredible talent that originates from Nigeria, even as it flourishes on the international stage under different flags.
One of the most notable performances came from Yemisi Ogunleye, who competed for Germany in the women’s shot put. Ogunleye, born in Germany to a Nigerian father, made history by winning the gold medal in the event. This victory marked Germany’s first gold in the women’s shot put since 1996 and solidified Ogunleye’s place among the world’s elite shot putters.
Salwa Eid Naser, originally born as Ebelechukwu Agbapuonwu in Nigeria, represented Bahrain in the women’s 400 meters. Naser, who switched her allegiance to Bahrain in 2014, has been a dominant force in track and field for several years. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, she claimed the silver medal in the 400 meters, adding to her impressive collection of international medals. Her success in Paris once again highlighted her status as one of the top sprinters in the world.
In the women’s hammer throw, Annette Echikunwoke, who was born in Ohio to Nigerian parents, won a silver medal for the United States. Echikunwoke’s performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics further established her reputation as a rising star in field events. Her dedication and hard work paid off, as she stood on the podium representing the United States.
Michael Olise, born to a Nigerian father, played a crucial role in France’s success in the men’s football competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Olise was a key player for the French team, which ultimately won the silver medal. His contributions on the field were instrumental in helping France reach the final, and his performance throughout the tournament demonstrated his talent and potential.
Samu Omorodion, who represented Spain in men’s football, achieved the highest honor by winning a gold medal. Omorodion, who still has the option to represent Nigeria in the future, made a significant impact for Spain during the tournament. His victory in Paris adds to his growing reputation as a talented footballer, and his success at the Olympics has made him a player to watch in the coming years.
Barthelemy Chinenyeze, a French volleyball player of Nigerian descent, led the French national team to a gold medal in men’s volleyball. Chinenyeze’s outstanding performance throughout the tournament established him as a key player in the sport. His leadership and skill on the court were crucial to France’s success, and his gold medal is a testament to his dedication to the game.
Victoria Ohuruogu, representing Great Britain, won a bronze medal in the women’s 4×400 meters relay at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Ohuruogu, the younger sister of former Olympic gold medalist Christine Ohuruogu, has followed in her sister’s footsteps by contributing to Britain’s success in the relay. Her performance in Paris solidified her status as a top athlete in her own right, and her bronze medal added to the family’s Olympic legacy.
Femi “Bam” Adebayo, often referred to simply as Bam Adebayo, played a crucial role in the USA men’s basketball team’s victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Born to a Nigerian father, Adebayo has become one of the most prominent players in the NBA, known for his defensive prowess and versatility on the court. His contributions to the USA team were instrumental in securing the gold medal, and his performance in Paris further elevated his status as one of the best basketball players in the world.
Meanwhile, as Nigeria reflects on its disappointing performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, there is hope that lessons can be learned for the future. Sports development minister, Senator John Owan-Enoh, announced that President Bola Tinubu approved over N12 billion for Team Nigeria’s preparation and participation in the Paris Olympics and Paralympics. Of this budget, N9 billion was allocated for the Olympics, and N3 billion was set aside for the Paralympics.
Looking ahead to the next Summer Olympics, which will be held in Los Angeles, USA, in 2028, Nigeria has an opportunity to improve its performance and regain its standing on the global sports stage. With the right investments in sports infrastructure, training, and athlete support, there is optimism that the nation can make a strong comeback and bring home medals.
Attention will soon shift to the Paralympic Games, where Nigeria has traditionally excelled, particularly in powerlifting and athletics. Expectations are high for the country’s Paralympians to continue their success and bring pride to the nation. Nigeria’s Paralympic athletes have consistently performed at a high level, and there is hope that they will once again showcase their talent and determination on the world stage. While the Paris 2024 Olympics was a challenging outing for Nigeria, the future holds opportunities for redemption.
