Lookman, D’Tigress, Paralympians, others who made 2024 historic for Nigerian sports
By Olaolu Joseph
The year 2024 will be remembered as a landmark year in Nigerian sports, marked by inspiring achievements and significant milestones across various disciplines. In this piece, we chronicle some of the most memorable sporting events of the year:
Super Eagles Secure AFCON Silver
In their 19th appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria’s Super Eagles came close to clinching their fourth title.
After progressing through Group A, which included Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and hosts Côte d’Ivoire, the Eagles displayed determination and skill.They overcame Cameroon in the Round of 16, Angola in the quarter-finals, and South Africa in a dramatic penalty shootout in the semi-finals.
However, their campaign ended with a narrow 1-2 loss to Côte d’Ivoire in the final, despite leading at halftime. This silver-medal finish added another chapter to Nigeria’s storied AFCON history.
D’Tigress Make Olympic History
Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, stunned the world at the Paris Olympics. Ranked 12th and among the lowest-seeded teams, they defied expectations with a historic run.
After defeating Australia in their opening game and overcoming Canada to reach the quarter-finals, they became the first African team to make it to the last eight in Olympic basketball history. Though they fell to eventual gold medallists, the United States, their performance earned widespread acclaim.
Coach Rena Wakama was named Best Women’s Coach at the Olympics, and star player Ezinne Kalu was included in the All-Tournament Second Team, further highlighting their incredible achievement.
Paralympic Triumphs
At the 2024 Paralympics, Nigeria shone brightly, finishing with seven medals: two gold, three silver, and two bronze.
Powerlifter Folashade Oluwafemiayo captured gold in the women’s 86kg Para-powerlifting category, breaking two world records with a remarkable lift of 167kg. Onyinyechi Mark also won gold, while Flora Ugwunwa and Esther Nworgu added silver medals.
In badminton, Eniola Bolaji made history as the first African to win a medal at the Paralympics, claiming bronze. These achievements showcased the resilience and determination of Nigerian Para-athletes.
Super Eagles Team B Return to CHAN
After a six-year absence, Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles secured qualification for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The team triumphed over Ghana’s Black Galaxies with a 3-1 aggregate victory, earning a spot in the tournament to be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda in February 2025.
Night of Glory at CAF Awards
The CAF Awards ceremony on December 16, 2024, was a night of celebration for Nigeria. Ademola Lookman was named African Footballer of the Year, joining the ranks of Rashidi Yekini, Nwankwo Kanu, and Victor Osimhen.
Chiamaka Nnadozie retained her title as Africa’s Best Women’s Goalkeeper, while the Super Falcons were crowned Africa’s Best Women’s Team. Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Asisat Oshoala, and Rasheedat Ajibade were among several Nigerians included in CAF’s Best XI for 2024.
