Nigeria is presently ranked as the 9th most successful African country in the Olympics with 3 gold, 11 silver and 13 bronze. Kenya and South Africa are the two most successful countries in Africa with a total of 113 and 89 medals respectively.
Athletes from Nigeria are set to participate in at least 11 competitions as the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games kicked off in France.
It was learned that Nigeria will fill in players to compete in Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Canoeing, Cycling, Football, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Weightlifting and Wrestling.
Nigeria is presently ranked as the 9th most successful African country in the Olympics with 3 gold, 11 silver and 13 bronze. Kenya and South Africa are the two most successful countries in Africa with a total of 113 and 89 medals respectively.
One of Africa’s most memorable Olympic events occurred in 1996, when Chioma Ajunwa became the first black African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event.
Also, Nigeria’s “Dream Team” U-23 team astonished the world by becoming the first African nation to win an Olympic gold medal in football, defeating Brazil’s star-studded team in the semi-finals and Argentina in the final.
Cameroon also defeated Spain in the final of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, becoming only the second African team to win a gold medal in men’s football.
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge cemented his place as the greatest marathon runner of all time.
He became the third man in history to clinch two Olympic marathon titles. Similarly, compatriot Faith Kipyegon showed resilience and determination, winning gold medals at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
Ethiopian long-distance runner Kenenisa Bekele won both the 5000m and 10000m finals, setting records in both at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
World record holder Tobi Amusan has also been named as the country’s flagbearer for the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Amusan, known for her outstanding performances in the 100m hurdles, will lead the Nigerian contingent during the parade of nations at the opening ceremony on Friday.
