Nigeria’s Sporting Stars Leading the World

By Lawrence Agbo

In 2024, Nigerian athletes made remarkable strides across diverse sporting disciplines, showcasing excellence on global platforms. From football fields to athletics tracks and boxing rings, these athletes not only shattered records but also elevated the nation’s reputation in international sports.

Here’s a closer look at 10 Nigerian athletes who shone brightly in 2024 and made the country proud.

1. Ademola Lookman (Football)

Ademola Lookman had an unforgettable 2024, becoming the sixth Nigerian to win the prestigious CAF African Footballer of the Year award. His electrifying performances for Atalanta in Serie A and the Europa League earned him this honor.

• Scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final, helping Atalanta clinch the title.
• Contributed three crucial goals for Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), leading the Super Eagles to a runner-up finish.
• Lookman’s consistent form has established him as one of Africa’s finest footballers.

2. Kanyinsola Ajayi (Sprint)

Kanyinsola Ajayi’s meteoric rise in athletics has made him a household name in Nigerian sports.

• Won gold in the 60m at the SEC Championships.
• Set a personal best of 10.00s in the 100m at the Spitzen Leichtathletik Meet in Lucerne.
• Reached the semifinals in the Paris Olympics 100m and anchored Nigeria’s 4x100m relay team to silver at the African Championships.

3. William Troost-Ekong (Football)

The Super Eagles captain displayed exceptional leadership and skill, earning him the AFCON 2023 Player of the Tournament title.

• Guided Nigeria to its best AFCON campaign in over a decade, securing a runner-up finish.
• Earned a nomination for FIFA’s Best XI 2024, cementing his place among the world’s top defenders.

4. Ese Brume (Track and Field – Long Jump)

A decade of dominance continues for Ese Brume, Africa’s long jump queen.

• Defended her African Games title with a leap of 6.92m.
• Finished 5th at the Paris Olympics, helping Nigeria make history by having three athletes in the women’s long jump final.
• Secured her fourth African Athletics Championship title, further solidifying her legacy.

5. Anthony Joshua (Boxing)

Anthony Joshua remains a global icon in boxing, combining sports excellence with philanthropy.

• Defeated Francis Ngannou via knockout at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
• Earned $75 million in 2024, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in the sport.
• Continues to support community projects and charitable causes worldwide.

6. Victor Boniface (Football)

Victor Boniface has become a force to reckon with in European football after joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2023.

• Helped Leverkusen secure their first-ever Bundesliga title, scoring 20 goals in 33 league matches.
• His prolific form in the 2024–2025 season has attracted interest from elite clubs like Chelsea.

7. Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (Track and Field – Shot Put)

Chukwuebuka Enekwechi continues to dominate shot put competitions, breaking records and claiming titles.

• Set a new African Indoor Record with a throw of 21.63m at the World Indoor Championships.
• Placed 6th in the Olympic Men’s Shot Put Final and retained his African Games title.
• Achieved a Nigerian record with a 21.91m throw at the Prefontaine Classic.

8. Chiamaka Nnadozie (Football)

Chiamaka Nnadozie has cemented her place as one of the world’s finest goalkeepers.

• Won back-to-back CAF Best Goalkeeper awards in 2023 and 2024.
• Played a pivotal role for Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
• Known for her heroic saves and leadership, Nnadozie is a beacon of hope for women’s football in Nigeria.

9. Samuel Ogazi (Sprint)

Samuel Ogazi broke barriers in Nigerian athletics, becoming a standout quartermiler in 2024.

• Set a personal best of 44.41s at the Paris Olympics, finishing 7th in the 400m final — Nigeria’s best result in 36 years.
• Helped Nigeria’s mixed 4x400m relay team qualify for the Olympics with an impressive time of 3:12.87.
• Won silver at the NCAA Championships and bronze at the African Championships.

10. Favour Ofili (Sprint)

Favour Ofili is blazing trails, setting records, and representing Nigeria on the global stage.

• Broke the 14-year-old African 300m record with a time of 35.99s.
• Ran the 3rd fastest time ever by a Nigerian in the 100m at LSU with 10.78s.
• Became the first Nigerian since 1996 to reach an Olympic 200m final, finishing 6th.

Final Thoughts

In 2024, Nigerian athletes excelled across diverse disciplines, proving that the country remains a powerhouse in global sports. These athletes not only broke records but also inspired millions, reinforcing the nation’s reputation for excellence and resilience on the world stage.

As they continue to shine, the future looks even brighter for Nigerian sports.