As the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics commence, Nigeria prepares to compete in at least 11 events including Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Canoeing, Cycling, Football, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Weightlifting, and Wrestling.
Currently, Nigeria ranks as the 9th most successful African country in the Olympics with a tally of 3 gold, 11 silver, and 13 bronze medals. In comparison, Kenya and South Africa lead the continent with 113 and 89 medals respectively.
Nigeria has a rich Olympic history. In 1996, Chioma Ajunwa became the first black African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event. That same year, Nigeria's "Dream Team" U-23 made history by winning the gold medal in football, defeating Brazil and Argentina.
Cameroon followed Nigeria’s footsteps by winning the gold medal in men’s football at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, defeating Spain.
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Kenyan athletes Eliud Kipchoge and Faith Kipyegon shone brightly. Kipchoge secured his status as the greatest marathon runner by winning his second Olympic marathon title, while Kipyegon added to her gold medals from Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele also made his mark by winning the 5000m and 10000m finals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, setting records in both events.
For the Paris 2024 Games, world record holder Tobi Amusan has been named Nigeria's flagbearer. Known for her stellar performances in the 100m hurdles, Amusan will lead the Nigerian delegation during the parade of nations at the opening ceremony on Friday.
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