- Nigeria will send 76 athletes to the Paris 2024 Olympics, competing in 11 sports
- Athletics remains Nigeria’s strongest event, with 26 athletes competing
- Boxing makes a comeback with three representatives after a hiatus
- Nigeria will also be represented in badminton, basketball, canoeing, cycling, football, table tennis, taekwondo, weightlifting, and wrestling
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are just around the corner, and Nigeria is gearing up to make a strong showing. With a total of 76 athletes competing across 11 sports, the country is poised to showcase its athletic prowess on the global stage.
Nigeria’s participation in the Olympics dates back to 1952, with the exception of the 1976 Montreal Games boycott. Over the years, Nigerian athletes have won a total of 27 medals, primarily in athletics and boxing.
Nigeria’s Olympic Contingent
| Sport | Men | Women | Total |
| Athletics | 16 | 10 | 26 |
| Badminton | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Basketball | 0 | 12 | 12 |
| Boxing | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Canoeing | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Cycling | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Football | 0 | 18 | 18 |
| Table Tennis | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Taekwondo | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Weightlifting | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Wrestling | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Total | 22 | 54 | 76 |
Athletics: Nigeria’s Stronghold
Athletics remains Nigeria’s strongest suit, with a total of 26 athletes competing in various events. The country will be banking on its mixed 4x400m, women’s 4x100m, and men’s 4x400m relay teams to bring home medals. Some notable athletes to watch out for include Oluwatobiloba Amusan, the world record holder in the 100m hurdles, and Ese Brume, a long jump specialist.
Boxing: A Resurgence
After a hiatus, Nigeria will be sending three boxers to the Paris Olympics: Cynthia Ogunsemilore (women’s lightweight), Omole Dolapo (men’s featherweight), and Olaore Olaoitan (men’s heavyweight). This marks the first time since 2016 that Nigeria will have a full boxing contingent at the Games.
Other Sports: Badminton, Basketball, and More
Nigeria will also be represented in badminton, with Anuoluwapo Opeyori as the sole competitor. The women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has qualified for the Olympics for the second consecutive time and will be looking to make an impact.
Other sports in which Nigeria will compete include boxing, canoeing, cycling, football, table tennis, taekwondo, weightlifting, and wrestling.
FAQs
Q. How many medals has Nigeria won at the Olympics?
A. Nigeria has won a total of 27 medals at the Olympics, mostly in athletics and boxing.
Q. Which Nigerian athletes are expected to perform well in Paris?
A. Some notable athletes to watch out for include Oluwatobiloba Amusan (100m hurdles), Ese Brume (long jump), and the women’s basketball team, D’Tigress.
Q. When was the last time Nigeria participated in the Olympics?
A. Nigeria has participated in every Summer Olympics since its debut in 1952, except for the 1976 Montreal Games boycott.
