Nigerian stars to watch out for at Paris Olympics

Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Olympics is a big deal for Nigerian sports. The country’s first major sports medal came at the 1964 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, where Nojeem Maiyegun won a bronze medal in the men’s light middleweight boxing category.

Nigeria’s greatest football achievement to date came at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics, where the Dream Team shocked the football world by defeating Brazil and Argentina en-route winning the gold medal. Chioma Ajunwa also clinched a gold medal in the female long jump event in Atlanta to become the first and only individual athlete in Nigeria to win an Olympic gold medal.

The 2024 Paris Olympics flags off on July 26, with Nigeria participating in 11 events, including football, basketball, long jump, and weightlifting. DStv and GOtv will bring the action live across six Olympics dedicated channels from the opening ceremony till the finale on August 11. A total of 82 athletes will represent Nigeria at games, and here is a list of the top Nigerian stars to look out for:

1. Tobi Amusan

Tobi Amusan

Nigeria will have one of the most in-form athletes in the world leading her quest for gold in the track events at Paris. Amusan, one of Nigerian stars, is the 100m hurdles world record holder and with her, Nigeria stands a good chance of adding to the three Olympic gold medals accrued since the country’s first participation in 1964.

2. Ese Brume

Ese Brume

Born the year Nigeria won her first Olympic gold medal, the 28-year-old will hope to follow in the steps of Ajunwa by winning gold in the long jump event in Paris. Brume is the current Commonwealth champion and a three-time African senior champion. She currently holds the Commonwealth Games record and African long jump record.

3. Chukwuebuka Enekwech

Chukwuebuka Enekwechi

Nigeria has a medal chance in the shot put event with Enekwech, who will return to the Olympics as an African champion. Can the 31-year-old end up on the medals podium for Nigeria?

4. Favour Ashe

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Favour Ashe

The 22-year-old recently set the record for best timing by a Nigerian in a 100m race. Ashe stormed to a new personal best of 9.94s in the men’s 100m at the NCAA East Prelims, which is the fastest time in the NCAA in 2024 and the second fastest in the world this year. In Ashe, Nigeria has a prospect that can shock the world in Paris. You can watch all Nigerian track and field athletes at the Olympics live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv.

5. Asisat Oshoala

Asisat Oshoala

After the disappointment of the penalty-shootout loss to England at the World Cup, the Falcons have another opportunity to make Nigeria proud at the Olympics, starting with their first group match against Brazil on July 25. The current African Footballer of the Year is one of the names Nigerians will look out for when the Super Falcons take to the pitch.

6. Rasheedat Ajibade

Rasheedat Ajibade

As captain of the team, Ajibade has been the difference maker on the pitch in recent years. She would again lead the Falcons at the Olympics and is expected to provide the magic when push comes to shove in Paris.

7. Michelle Alozie

Michelle Alozie

The charming Alozie is the darling of Nigerian football fans due to her skills and happy-go-lucky demeanour on the pitch. Her exploit at the World Cup is still fresh in memory, and many Nigerians look forward to seeing her shine again in Paris.

8. D’Tigress

D’Tigress players

Nigeria’s female basketball team, D’Tigress have been paired in a challenging group with Australia, Canada, and France. The African champions, led by the amiable coach, Rena Wakama, will be out to make it out Of the group stage for the first time at the Olympics.