Team Nigeria has returned from the Paris 2024 Olympics without a single medal. The once-promising contingent of 88 athletes across 12 sports failed to secure a podium finish, marking a significant downturn from previous Olympics.
High hopes were pinned on athletes such as Tobi Amusan, the world-champion hurdler, Blessing Oborududu, a wrestling silver medallist, and Ese Brume, the long-jump star. However, despite their individual brilliance, none could translate their dominance into Olympic gold.
The absence of Favour Ofili, a key member of the women’s 4x100m relay team, due to unexplained administrative errors, further compounded Nigeria’s challenges.
However, amid the gloom, there were a few bright spots. The women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, made history by qualifying for the quarterfinals for the first time. In the field events, Nigeria enjoyed a strong presence in the women’s long jump final with three athletes – Ese Brume, Ruth Usoro, and Prestina Ochonogor – competing for top honors.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
