When we are through with the elections, we lose time, fragment the little cohesion the federations have and attend the next Games, usually with a worse management than was in Paris that produced no medals. Nigeria sports officials would spend the rest of 2024 and well into 2025 fighting for positions in the sports federations. They are full-blown opportunities to step into opportunities that sports breed. They are essential meal tickets for most officials who barely know anything about their sports, except maybe the next trips and what allowances they will bring.
Surfing Competition Format
Briefly after the briefing, I asked the president of the Athletics Federation Nigeria (AFN) what our medal projections are and the basis for the projections. “Unlike other ministers of ministries that have agencies, they can decide in terms of what they want to achieve in that sector or not. The minister of sports doesn’t have such luxury because you are appointed and you have leaderships for different sports federations elected in their congress.
Kaylia Nemour makes history
The Nigerian football team that won gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics is often hailed as one of the greatest African football teams of all time. As a scholar of east African sport, I have followed Kenya’s performance at the Olympics for decades. While there is much to be celebrated in 2024, there are also clear signs of what the country must focus on if it wants to remain dominant at the next games. So here is a list of what’s going right, what’s going wrong and what needs attention. Kenya topped Africa’s medal tally at the 2024 Paris Olympics, as the east African country did at the last two games in 2020 and 2016. Kenya is a dominant force particularly because of the success of its middle-distance and long-distance runners.
- Similarly, Leon Marchand became an instant hero in France having won four individual gold medals in swimming.
- The African champions, against expectations, made it to the quarter-finals in the event, beating world number three and five (Australia and Canada) in the group stage.
- So, when the federations come and briefing you like that you have to believe them and that was the basis of our projection.
- Suni Lee, a former Olympic all-round champion and US gymnast was diagnosed with an incurable kidney disease in 2023.
Which country had the most medals in the 2020 Olympics?
These athletes, along with many others, will be looking to make their mark and secure a place in Olympic history. Surfing made its debut in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and its inclusion in the Paris 2024 Games has generated significant excitement among surf enthusiasts and sports fans alike. The event will take place in the iconic waves of Teahupo’o, Tahiti, a site renowned for its breathtaking and challenging surf conditions. Here’s an in-depth look at everything you need to know about surfing at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Women’s tournament
From winning gold in shot put to securing silver in the 400 meters and hammer throw, and achieving victory in men’s football, these athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. They upheld a legacy of Nigerian excellence on the global stage, even as they competed for countries other than Nigeria. More worrisome was that some athletes of Nigerian descent competed for other countries. These included those who changed nationalities due to the arbitrary, nepotistic, and capricious attitudes of some Nigerian officials and managers. Watching helplessly as they won medals for their adopted nations triggered psychological discomfort, even emotional torture. Annette Echikunwoke won silver medal for USA in Hammer Throw after being frustrated and chased out of Nigeria by some overzealous officials at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, (AFN).
Meet the Nigerian Stars Dominating BoF 500 Class of 2024
This streak was maintained in Paris when Rosalind Canter, Laura Collett and Tom McEwen won gold in the Equestrian Team eventing competition on Day three of the Games. The U.S. women’s basketball team secured Team USA’s final gold medal by edging host nation France in a thrilling match that came down to the last shot. Guatemala’s Adriana Ruano Oliva won her country’s first-ever gold medal in any sport for the women’s shooting event at the Paris Olympics. Tobi Amusan successfully defended her 100-meter hurdles title to become the first high hurdle to win three strong gold medals in the history of the Games.
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The surfing events are scheduled to take place between July 27 and August 3, 2024, with the exact dates and times subject to change based on wave conditions. The competition may extend to August 5 if necessary, to ensure optimal conditions for the surfers. Weather conditions play a crucial role in surfing competitions, and the event organizers will prioritize the safety and performance potential for the athletes. Judges score each wave on a scale of 1 to 10, with the top two scores from each surfer being combined to give their total heat score.
NIGERIA’S POOR PERFORMANCE AT THE 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES AND WAY FORWARD.
While Team Nigeria will be returning home empty-handed from the Paris 2024 Olympics, athletes of Nigerian origin made their mark on the global stage, winning four medals for their adopted countries. It has been marked by controversies, such as Favour Ofili’s exclusion from her event, but also by highlights like the women’s basketball team reaching the quarterfinals. Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis, a Swede, did what he does best—breaking the Olympic record with a 6.10m jump to defend his gold medal and then raising the bar to 6.25m. The stadium was silent as Mondo began his run-up, then erupted in applause as he flew over the bar, creating a new world record height. Fans celebrated his accomplishment after witnessing the highest jump—and jumper—in history.
- There is also Antoinette Ebelechukwu Agbapuonwu (can any name be more Nigerian than that?) but she competed at the Olympics and got a silver medal not for Nigeria but Bahrain.
- The NSC existed before the Sports Ministry and was subsumed under the Presidency before it was scrapped in 2015.
- It simply indicates that we need to do more through early preparations and active engagement in sporting events by our athletes before major tournaments such as this.
- China followed closely with 91 medals, while Japan rounded out the top three with 45 medals.
- Judges score each wave on a scale of 1 to 10, with the top two scores from each surfer being combined to give their total heat score.
- The country’s strength in field and track events is domineering, especially in relay events, hence the reason the Ministry prepared for the athletes to participate in the World Relay events held in the Bahamas in May.
- As Nigeria reflects on this Olympic campaign, it must address the systemic issues hindering its athletes’ success and explore strategies to nurture talent domestically.
- Winfred Yavi, who previously represented Kenya, but is also now a Bharain athlete in 3,000 m steeplechase won gold in Paris, setting the new Olympic record in that event.
- In the spirit of celebrating women at the Olympics, we’re spotlighting African women’s performances at the games.
Born to a Nigerian father and German mother, Ogunleye’s remarkable performance came as a surprise to many.
Olympic champion Julien Alfred received a national honour rarely occupied by the world’s top athletes. Olympic bronze medallist and ATHLOS standout sprinter Brittany Brown wants Diamond League organisers to invest more in prize earnings for athletes. Junelle Bromfield has a message for Jamaicans’ poor reception to Kishane Thompson’s Olympic silver medal, instead chose to direct their frustrations on Noah Lyles.
Paris 2024: Which African teams have won Olympic gold in football as Egypt and Morocco reach semi-finals?
The tiny Caribbean-island of St. Lucia, and her home town of Ciceron broke out in joyous ecstasy. Adriana Ruano, 29, won the first ever gold medal in the shooting women’s trap final for Guatemala. Kaylia Nemour, 17, made history for her country, Algeria and for Africa by being the first from the continent to win a medal in gymnastics.
She guided the American women to victory in the team event at the start of the artistic gymnastics competition and then secured gold medals in the all-around vault, with a silver medal in the floor exercise. Yes, it was not a good outing, but I disagree that it was a “disastrous” one. It simply indicates that we need to do more through early preparations and active engagement in sporting events by our athletes before major tournaments such as this. However, in stark contrast to their achievements, Nigeria’s own contingent left the Paris 2024 Olympics without securing a single medal.
Ogunleye proudly identifies with her German heritage while embracing her Nigerian roots. Unfortunately, no Nigerian has claimed gold this year, a stark contrast to the country’s previous Olympic successes. Alfred edged Richardson in 10.84s to 10.89s, qualifying with the fastest time overall and setting up a highly anticipated duel in the final.
Other statistics that may interest you 2024 Summer Olympics
What we have with the Ministry are civil servants who take decisions for sports without adequate knowledge of what they manage. Sports management is blighted by lack of competence which in turn drives gross mis-management that affect the federations with the Nigeria Olympic Committee at the apex of the obtuse arrangement. The remnants of Seoul, and athletes who had matured from the American school system, helped. The sports programmes at home were stronger and also had funding, administrations was better than today. Daniel arap Moi, Kenyan President told Egbunike during the medal ceremony, “This Innocent is not innocent”. Back to the calls with Ugbisien, we joked about the $12,000 scholarship he has been owed since the spectacular victory in the 4×400m relay that keep spectators at Kasarani Stadium, outside Nairobi, on their feet.
Although clothing his actions in cautiousness, he is steady in his observations and delivery, having taught different categories of pupils that are technically gifted. Senator Enoh is careful not to misinterprete each individual’s placement but wants to manage every capability of men, including his immediate staff for optimum results. Nigeria, actually like all other nations in the Olympic family, is focusing on that global fiesta to have an emphatic outing and to secure a prominent position on the Medals Table of Honour.
- The cycling team’s performance was highlighted by multiple gold medals in both men’s and women’s events, showcasing the depth and versatility of Australian cycling talent.
- Additionally, Japan excelled in artistic gymnastics, fencing, and skateboarding, with Shinnosuke Oka becoming the fourth straight all-around winner in men’s artistic gymnastics.
- But let us not forget that the Nigerian female basketball team was the only African basketball team (men and women) to progress to the last 16 at the event.
- The US topped the medal chart, followed by China with 91 medals, Britain with 65 medals, and France with 64 medals.
- Echikunwoke’s determination and talent paid off in her adopted country after negligence by Nigerian sports officials denied her a chance to compete at the Tokyo Olympics.
- Another medalist (silver) from Tokyo, Blessing Oborodudu came close to winning a medal but was hampered by injury.
This outcome marked one of the country’s most disappointing Olympic performances in recent memory. Despite having a strong roster of athletes, the closest Nigeria came to winning a medal was in athletics, where https://big-bet.org/ a few athletes made it to the finals but failed to reach the podium. From major stakeholders in the sports sector to politicians and ordinary citizens, it has been consistent and continued condemnation.
Nigerians Win Medals for Other Nations at Paris 2024 Olympics
The contest for most gold medals at the Paris Olympics ended in a tie between China and the United States. However, the USA topped the medals table with a whopping 126 overall, compared to 91 for China. While Nigeria failed to win a medal at the Olympics, three athletes and two footballers of Nigerian heritage won a medal for their adopted countries. John Enoh, minister of sports development, has described Team Nigeria’s performance at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France as a “disaster”.
The minister vowed to ensure only the best hands are voted in during the forthcoming sports federation elections. The contingent battled administrative lapses and poor technical decisions alongside abysmal performances, a situation Enoh said the country must correct — starting with the federation election — to avert future disaster. However, general secretary of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Tunji Popoola, has predicted a podium finish for the nine-time African champions. Whether you’re a seasoned surf enthusiast or a casual observer, the 2024 Olympic surfing event is set to deliver excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments. Mark your calendars and get ready to watch the world’s best surfers take on one of the most challenging waves on the planet.
- South Korea’s Park Hye-jeong took silver with a 299kg total, while Great Britain’s Emily Campbell was clearly delighted with her bronze medal after lifting a total of 288kg.
- Nigeria’s ranking in the International Federation of Basketball, (FIBA), will by this feat be catapulted northwards.
- Femi “Bam” Adebayo, often referred to simply as Bam Adebayo, played a crucial role in the USA men’s basketball team’s victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
- Over the years, it has become the only unifying capital for a country that is divided along ethnic, tribal, and religious considerations.
- He first rose to fame by winning the 200 meters at the 2002 World Junior Championships.
- “This call for reform aims to enhance the leadership and effectiveness of Nigeria’s sports federations, paving the way for improved performance on the global stage.
- They clinched 37 gold medals, 26 silver medals and 35 bronze medals to come second on the medals table.
Of these, 14 were in individual events, while four were achieved as part of the Soviet team. Larisa Latynina, a Soviet gymnast, stands as the second most decorated Olympian with an impressive total of 18 medals. From the 300 metres, Egbunike started closing up, and outran Kitur for the gold.
Competitions from 2024 to 2032 would be diarised and aligned to the programmes of the various federations, and budgeted right to the very base of the programmes for different competitions and qualifiers that lead to different engagements. They would audit their post-Olympic assets – athletes, officials, partners, governance issues, and resolve them. Deficits in all areas would be treated and the areas of strengths are enhanced.