Nigerian athletes have made remarkable progress across a variety of sporting disciplines, marking 2024 as an exceptional year in the country’s sports history.
This year will be remembered not only for record-breaking performances but also for the inspiring individual journeys that redefine Nigeria’s athletic landscape.
Below are the top Nigerian Athletes with big achievements in 2024
Ademola Lookman:
One of the standout stories is that of Ademola Lookman, who earned the title of Africa’s best footballer. This achievement shines a spotlight on the hard work and resilience that shaped his career, beginning in South London and culminating in his recognition at the 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco.
Lookman’s pivotal role in leading Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations final and his historic hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League—making him the first African to do so in a major European final—exemplify his talent and commitment. With impressive statistics of 12 goals and five assists this season, he serves as a source of inspiration for both peers and aspiring footballers.
Elizabeth Oshoba:
In the realm of boxing, Elizabeth Oshoba has made history as Nigeria’s first female boxing world champion. Her journey, beginning in Tigbo-Ilu, Ogun State, highlights her dedication since the age of 12, as she overcame numerous hurdles, including long travel times for training. In 2024, her achievements include claiming the IBO female super-featherweight title and the WBC silver featherweight title, underscoring her skills and strategic thinking in the ring.
Oshoba’s rapid ascent in boxing, characterized by knockout victories both in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, is particularly noteworthy. She emphasizes the value of the challenges she faced, which ultimately prepared her for the opportunities she seized. Her story serves as a motivational blueprint for young athletes, illustrating the power of resilience and commitment in achieving extraordinary goals.
William Troost-Ekong:
William Troost-Ekong’s journey to being named the Most Valuable Player at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations exemplifies the importance of perseverance and self-belief.
After a challenging year of being overlooked, Ekong emerged as a crucial player in Nigeria’s defence during their inspiring run to the finals in Ivory Coast.
Throughout his time away from the national team, he maintained strong connections with his teammates and coach Peseiro, offering support and demonstrating his preparedness to contribute. His patience and dedication ultimately paid off, leading him not only to the final squad but also back into the starting lineup.
Ekong became the first defender to score three goals in a single AFCON since 2010, with his final tally reaching five goals, marking him as Nigeria’s highest-scoring defender in AFCON history.
His leadership on the field was marked by confidence and accountability during critical moments. In the tense penalty shootout against South Africa, he volunteered to take the decisive kick after a teammate’s miss, showcasing his commitment to the team’s success.
In recognition of his exceptional performance, Ekong received nominations for the CAF Player of the Year award, inclusion in FIFA’s Best XI, and a spot on the AFCON XI.
Cricket Queens:
The Nigerian Under-19 women’s cricket team has achieved a historic milestone by securing Africa’s sole ticket to the 2025 ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup in Malaysia. This achievement follows an unbeaten streak in the qualifiers held in Kigali, Rwanda, marking only the second time Nigeria will participate in a cricket World Cup.
Their qualification journey included impressive wins such as a four-wicket victory over Tanzania, a one-wicket triumph against Zimbabwe, and a dominant 86-run win over Malawi, leading them to finish atop Group B. In the semi-final, they overcame hosts Rwanda by 62 runs, ultimately earning the qualifier title when their final match against Zimbabwe was disrupted by rain.
Captain Lucky Piety will lead the same squad that excelled in the qualifiers for the World Cup in Malaysia next year, featuring standout players like Shola Adekunle, Peculiar Agboya, and Anointed Aikigbe. The team will benefit from the mentorship of Kenyan coach Sarah Bakhita and former Yellow Greens captain Blessing Etim.
D’Tigress Olympic Feat
Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, made history by becoming the first African basketball team to reach the quarter-finals at the Olympics. Their memorable journey began with a stunning victory over Australia in their opening game, paving the way for a remarkable tournament.
Under the expert guidance of coach Rena Wakama, who was recognized as the Best Female Basketball Coach at the Games, the team’s achievement is particularly significant considering their previous defeat to the USA in qualifiers by 56 points just months prior.
D’Tigress’s stellar performance contributed to their rise in the FIBA world rankings, moving up four spots to eighth overall while retaining their status as Africa’s top-ranked team. Earlier in the year, they also secured their fourth consecutive AfroBasket title, cementing their dominance in African basketball.
Folashade Oluwafemiayo
Folashade Oluwafemiayo delivered a groundbreaking performance at the Paris Paralympics, successfully defending her title and making history as the first female para-athlete to lift 167kg, setting a new world record.
After initially securing gold with a lift of 166kg, the 39-year-old returned to the platform for another attempt, successfully lifting 167kg to establish a new benchmark. Her unwavering dedication to training in the face of challenges exemplifies the spirit that has made her a multiple world champion.
Her success contributes to a larger achievement for Nigeria’s para-powerlifters, who collectively secured four medals in Paris. The impressive performance of African competitors was reflected in the para-powerlifting medal table, with Egypt finishing third and Nigeria achieving fourth overall.
Eniola Bolaji
Eighteen-year-old Eniola Bolaji has made history by becoming the first African athlete to win a medal in Para-Badminton at the Paralympics. Her bronze medal victory in the Women’s Singles SL3 category marks a significant milestone for both her and Nigerian sports, showcasing her immense talent and potential on the international stage.