The upcoming edition of the Olympic Games is scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024, in Paris, with Nigeria among the qualified nations set to participate.
Nigeria has been a consistent participant in the Olympics since 1952, with the exception of 1976. Despite having won a total of 27 medals, Nigeria is ready to compete in the 2024 edition. Let’s take a look back at the times when Nigeria emerged victorious at the Olympics.
1964
In 1964, Nigeria secured its first bronze medal in Tokyo through Nojeem Maiyegun in the men’s light middleweight class.
1972
Isaac Ikhouria, a Nigerian boxer competing in the men’s light-heavyweight category, claimed a bronze medal in Munich, West Germany, in 1972.
1984
In 1984, Nigeria’s five-person relay team earned the country’s first athletics medal in the men’s 4×400 meters race, securing a bronze medal. Additionally, Peter Konyyegwachie won a silver medal in the men’s featherweight category.
1992
The Nigerian men’s 4×100 meters relay team clinched a silver medal, while the women’s 4×100 meters relay team and the men’s heavyweight boxer, David Izonritei, won silver medals as well. Richard Igbineghu also secured a silver in the men’s super-heavyweight category.
1996
In 1996, Nigeria celebrated its first Olympic gold medal in the women’s long jump thanks to Chioma Ajunwa. Various other medals were also won in events such as football, relays, and boxing.
2000
In 2000, Nigeria secured medals in the men’s 4×400 meters relay, women’s 100 meters hurdles, and women’s weightlifting heavyweight category, showcasing the country’s diverse athletic talents.
2004
Nigeria won two bronze medals in the men’s 4×100 meters and 4×400 meters relay events at the 2004 Olympics.
2008
The 2008 Olympics in Beijing saw Nigeria grabbing three silver and two bronze medals across various sports including athletics, taekwondo, and weightlifting.
2016
In 2016, Nigeria secured a bronze medal in men’s football, continuing the country’s legacy of success in sports at the international level.
2020
In the 2020 Olympics, Ese Brume clinched a bronze in the women’s long jump category, and Blessing Oborududu won a silver medal in women’s freestyle wrestling, further adding to Nigeria’s Olympic accolades.
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