In 2024, Nigerian athletes have demonstrated exceptional talent and determination across various sports, earning global recognition and accolades.
Here are five standout Nigerian athletes who have made significant impacts this year:
1. Ademola Lookman (Football)
Ademola Lookman has had an extraordinary year with Atalanta in Serie A. His remarkable performances, including a hat-trick in the Europa League final, have been pivotal in Atalanta’s successes. Lookman was crowned as the 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year and placed 14th on the Ballon D’Or rankings this year, underscoring his influence on the field.
2. Chiamaka Nnadozie
As the first-choice goalkeeper for the Super Falcons and Paris FC in the French Division 1 Féminine, she has continued to excel, solidifying her reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in women’s football.
Nnadozie was nominated for the 2024 FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper award and won the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, a testament to her talent and impact on the global stage.
3. Favour Ofili (Atheltics)
Ofili made history in 2024 by breaking the 14-year-old African 300m record with an astounding 35.99s. She also delivered impressive results in the 100m (10.78s) and 200m (22.33s), helping Nigeria secure a spot in the 4x100m relay at the Olympics. Her rapid rise positions her as a formidable contender in women’s athletics.
4. D’Tigress (Basketball)
Nigeria’s D’Tigress made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by reaching the basketball quarterfinals for the first time. Led by Rena Wakama, the team demonstrated remarkable defense and secured impressive victories, including a stunning win over Australia.
5. Ese Brume (Athletics)
Ese Brume, Africa’s long jump record holder, continued her reign in 2024, extending her undefeated streak on the continent to nearly a decade. She claimed her fourth African Athletics Championship title and recorded a 6.58m jump at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix. At the Paris Olympics, Brume finished fifth, achieving Nigeria’s best performance in the event and cementing her status as one of the world’s elite jumpers.
