Nigeria’s Olympic disappointment amidst global success for athletes of Nigerian Descent

The Paris 2024 Olympics showcased the exceptional talent of athletes with Nigerian heritage competing for other nations, Nigeria’s own team faced a disappointing medal-less campaign.

Athletes like Yemisi Ogunleye (Germany), Salwa Eid Naser (Bahrain), Annette Echikunwoke (USA), Michael Olise (France), Samu Omorodion (Spain), Barthelemy Chinenyeze (France), Victoria Ohuruogu (Great Britain), and Femi Adebayo (USA) brought glory to their respective countries.

However, Nigeria’s performance was a stark contrast, marking one of its worst Olympic outings in recent times.

Despite a significant N9 billion budget allocated for the team’s preparation, Nigeria failed to secure a single medal.

This outcome has sparked concerns about the nation’s sports development and its ability to compete at the highest level.

The country’s best performance remains the Atlanta 1996 Games, where it won six medals.

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The United States topped the medal table with 126 medals, followed by China with 91.

France, as the host nation, secured the fifth position.

While the Paris Olympics have concluded, the focus now shifts to the Paralympic Games, where Nigeria has historically excelled.

With the next Summer Olympics scheduled for Los Angeles in 2028, Nigeria has an opportunity to redeem itself and reclaim its position on the global sports stage.

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