Nigeria at the 2024 Summer Olympics: A Comprehensive Look

Nigeria is set to compete at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11. This article provides a detailed overview of Nigeria's participation, including qualified athletes, sports, and preparation efforts.

Historical Participation

Since its debut in Helsinki in 1952, Nigeria has participated in every Summer Games except for the 1976 Montreal Games, which the nation boycotted.

Competitors Overview

Nigeria will be represented by 75 athletes across various sports. Here's the breakdown:

Athletics

Nigerian athletes have qualified for several track, road, and field events. Notable competitors include Favour Ashe (Men's 100m), Tobi Amusan (Women's 100m hurdles), and Ese Brume (Women's long jump).

Men's Track & Road Events:

- Favour Ashe – Men's 100m

- Godson Oghenebrume – Men's 100m

- Udodi Onwuzurike – Men's 200m

- Emmanuel Bamidele – Men's 400m

- Samuel Ogazi – Men's 400m

- Edose Ibadin – Men's 800m

- Ezekiel Nathaniel – Men's 400m hurdles

Women's Track & Road Events:

- Tima Godbless – Women's 100m

- Favour Ofili – Women's 200m

- Ella Onojuvwevwo – Women's 400m

- Tobi Amusan – Women's 100m hurdles

Field Events:

- Chukwuebuka Enekwechi – Men's shot put

- Ruth Usoro – Women's long jump

- Ese Brume – Women's long jump

Badminton

Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori will compete in the men's singles event, having qualified through the BWF Race to Paris Rankings.

Basketball

The Nigerian women's basketball team, D'Tigress, qualified by finishing among the top two eligible nations in the 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournaments. They will face Canada, Australia, and France in group matches.

Group Play Schedule:

- Nigeria vs. Australia: July 29, 2024, Pierre Mauroy Stadium, Lille

- France vs. Nigeria: August 1, 2024, Pierre Mauroy Stadium, Lille

- Canada vs. Nigeria: August 4, 2024, Pierre Mauroy Stadium, Lille

Boxing

Nigeria will return to Olympic boxing with three qualified boxers: Dolapo Omole (men's featherweight), Olaitan Olaore (men's heavyweight), and Cynthia Ogunsemilore (women's lightweight).

Canoeing

Ayomide Bello and Beauty Otudeo will compete in the women's C-2 500m event after winning gold at the 2023 African Olympics in Abuja.

Cycling

Ese Ukpeseraye qualified for the women's road race, finishing in the top two at the 2023 African Championships in Accra, Ghana.

Football

The Nigerian women's football team, the Super Falcons, qualified for the Olympics by winning their fourth-round match in the 2024 CAF Women's Olympic qualifying tournament. They will face Spain, Japan, and Brazil in the group stage.

Table Tennis

Quadri Aruna, Olajide Omotayo (men's singles), Offiong Edem, and Fatimo Bello (women's singles) have qualified for table tennis.

Taekwondo

Elizabeth Anyanacho, a Tokyo 2020 Olympian, qualified for Paris 2024 in the women's under 67 kg category.

Weightlifting

Rafiatu Lawal (women's 59 kg) and Joy Ogbonne Eze (women's 71 kg) secured their spots based on the IWF Olympic Qualification Rankings.

Wrestling

Nigeria will field six wrestlers, including Odunayo Adekuoroye, who qualified through the 2023 World Championships, and five others who qualified at the 2024 African & Oceania Olympic Qualification Tournament.

Nigeria and Zambia in Women's Football: African Hopes

Nigeria and Zambia will represent Africa in the women's football competition. Both teams have shown resilience in their qualification campaigns and aim to make a significant impact in Paris.

Nigeria's Preparation for the Games

The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Sports Development, is committed to ensuring Team Nigeria's success at the Olympics. Key initiatives include:

- Strategic Planning: A ministerial podium performance committee focuses on strategic planning and execution.

- Targeted Training: The Ministry collaborates with the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) and sports federations to develop comprehensive training programs, including local and international training camps.

- Support for Athletes: The Ministry, NOC, and federations provide necessary support to ensure athletes are well-prepared.

Nigeria's Quest for Gold

While some athletes have already secured their spots, others are still in the process of qualifying. Nigeria aims not just to participate but to compete for gold medals, hoping to surpass the 1996 achievement of two gold medals (men's football and women's long jump).

Conclusion

With a strong contingent, particularly among female athletes, Nigeria is poised for a promising performance at the 2024 Summer Olympics. With meticulous planning, robust training programs, and unwavering determination, Team Nigeria has the potential to make a significant mark on the world stage in Paris.

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