Olympics Games 2024:Why Nigeria Performed Poorly But Nigerians Won Medals for Other Countries

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde, Israel Adeleke 

In a testament to the global reach of Nigerian talents, the Paris 2024 Olympics witnessed a remarkable presence of athletes with Nigerian heritage, who made significant contributions while competing under the flags of various nations even though team Nigeria failed to win a single medal despite the investment of a whooping sum of N12 billion in it by the Federal Government.

Although they have roots in Nigeria, these athletes chose to compete for nations such as Germany, Bahrain, the United States, France, Great Britain, and Spain. 

Their remarkable performances not only brought them personal success but also showcased the global reach of talent emerging from Nigeria. 

From winning gold in shot put to claiming silver in the 400m, hammer throw, and men’s football, these athletes exhibited extraordinary prowess and tenacity on the international stage, continuing Nigeria's tradition of sporting excellence.

In stark contrast, OPEN TELEVISION Naija (OTN) News reports that Nigeria’s own team left the Paris Games without a single medal, marking one of the country’s most disappointing Olympic performances in recent history. 

Despite having a roster filled with promising athletes, Nigeria’s closest approach to the podium came in athletics, where a few competitors reached the finals but ultimately fell short of winning medals. This result is a far cry from Nigeria's peak Olympic achievement at the Atlanta 1996 Games, where the country secured six medals, including gold in men’s football and women’s long jump. 

The 2024 Paris Olympics is now being compared to the 2012 London Games, where Nigeria also failed to win any medals, highlighting the persistent challenges in the nation’s sports development and its struggles in international competition.

The Paris 2024 Olympics wrapped up on August 11, 2024, with the United States topping the medal tally with 126 medals (40 gold, 44 silver, and 42 bronze). China followed with 91 medals, and Japan completed the top three with 45 medals. The host nation, France, finished in fifth place with 64 medals. Other notable countries in the top ten included Australia, Great Britain, and the Netherlands.

Sports Development Minister, Senator John Owan-Enoh, revealed that President Bola Tinubu had approved over N12 billion for Team Nigeria’s preparation and participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, allocating N9 billion for the Olympics and N3 billion for the Paralympics. Despite this significant investment, the results at the Olympics were underwhelming.

OTN News further reports that the upcoming Summer Olympics, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles, USA, in 2028, presents a valuable chance for Nigeria to enhance its performance and reestablish its reputation in global sports. 

By prioritizing investments in sports infrastructure, training programs, and comprehensive athlete support, there is hope that Nigeria can stage a remarkable comeback and secure medals. Meanwhile, the focus will soon shift to the Paralympic Games, an arena where Nigeria has consistently excelled, especially in powerlifting and athletics. The country’s Paralympians are expected to continue their tradition of success, bringing pride to the nation.

However, reflecting on the lessons learned in Paris and addressing areas that need improvement, Nigeria can set its sights on a more triumphant performance in Los Angeles 2028. As preparations for the Paralympics and future events continue, there is optimism that with the right approach, Nigeria will once again achieve greatness on the global stage.

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) President, Engr. Habu Gumel commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Sports Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh, for their support, while also recognising the need for a thorough review of the preparation process.

“In light of this setback, we must analyse the root causes of our shortcomings and revisit fundamental principles,” Gumel added.

Despite these efforts, fans remain unconvinced, pointing to a lack of strategic development and consistent funding as key issues that need to be addressed with fans on social media platform X also weighing in.

According to Sandy Love, a stark contrast was highlighted in the preparations leading up to the Olympics, where Nigeria's athletes received merely a few months of training, with some even making the journey directly from their family homes to the world's biggest sporting event, a situation Love decries as utterly shameful and National embarrassment. 

Another response on X, Lateef Salami advised early preparation for the next edition of the Olympics slated to hold in Los Angeles.

“Your Excellency, please direct the Ministry of Sports to begin preparation for the next Olympic, Los Angeles 2028, immediately. We do not want excuses in the next Olympics, We have enough talents in Nigeria, and “catch them young” should be taken to primary and secondary schools," he wrote.

Temiloluwa Scott, criticised the inadequate investment in grassroots sports development, noting that the N9bn budget for the Games did not translate into success.

“There seems to have been poor preparation on all fronts, N9bn does not equate good preparation. We have countries like China and the USA with athletes who spend their whole lives training for the Olympics. The structure from the onset is very weak, and this was on display in Paris," Scott stated.

Tosin Soyemi, a Nigerian based in the United Kingdom, pointed out that internal issues further destabilised the team stating that “First off, I think there were two problems that destabilised the team. The Ofili incident and the D’Tigress not being allowed on the boat with the team at the opening ceremony,” he said. It felt like we didn’t compete even though our athletes tried their best.”

Here’s a summary of eight athletes of Nigerian descent who secured medals while competing for other countries at the Paris 2024 Olympics:

YEMISI OGUNLEYE — Germany:

Yemisi Ogunleye, who has Nigerian roots through her father but was born and raised in Germany, made a significant mark at the Paris 2024 Olympics by winning the gold medal in the women’s shot put. Her victory was a milestone for Germany, as it was their first gold in this event since 1996.

Event: Women’s Shot Put  

Medal: Gold 

SALWA EID NASER — Bahrain:

Salwa Eid Naser, who was born in Nigeria, secured the silver medal in the women’s 400m for Bahrain. After switching allegiance to Bahrain in 2014, Naser has continued to excel on the global stage, adding yet another medal to her impressive track record.

Event: Women’s 400m  

Medal: Silver  

ANNETTE ECHIKUNWOKE — USA:

Born in Ohio to Nigerian parents, Annette Echikunwoke earned a silver medal for the United States in the hammer throw at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her strong performance solidified her reputation as a rising star in field events.

Event: Women’s Hammer Throw  

Medal: Silver  

MICHEAL OLISE — France:

Michael Olise, the son of a Nigerian father, played a pivotal role in France’s men’s football team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, helping them secure a silver medal. His contributions were instrumental in the team’s success throughout the tournament.

Event: Men’s Football  

Medal: Silver  

SAMU OMORODION — Spain:

Samu Omorodion, representing Spain, clinched the gold medal in men’s football at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Although still eligible to play for Nigeria, Omorodion has been making waves with the Spanish national team, where he continues to excel.

Event: Men’s Football  

Medal: Gold

BARTHELEMY CHINENYEZE — France:

Barthelemy Chinenyeze played a leading role in France’s men’s volleyball team, guiding them to a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. His exceptional performance has cemented his status as a key figure in international volleyball.

Event: Men’s Volleyball  

Medal: Gold

VICTORIA OHURUOGU — Great Britain:

Victoria Ohuruogu, representing Great Britain, won a bronze medal in the women’s 4x400m relay at the Paris 2024 Olympics. As the younger sister of Olympic gold medalist Christine Ohuruogu, Victoria is continuing the family legacy by contributing to her country’s success in track and field.

Event: 4x400m Relay  

Medal: Bronze  

FEMI BAM ADEBAYO — USA: 

Femi Bam Adebayo, known widely as Bam Adebayo, was a key player for the USA men’s basketball team, helping them win the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Born to a Nigerian father, Adebayo has gained prominence in the NBA for his defensive skills and versatility on the court.

Event: Men’s Basketball  

Medal: Gold