As Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence Day anniversary, there are numerous reflections on the nation’s progress over the decades. Among the areas where the country has made significant strides is sports, a sector that has continued to shape national pride and identity. The past year alone has been a mixed bag of triumphs and disappointments, with AFCON and other international sporting events highlighting the highs and lows of Nigerian sports history. From cricket to boxing and from Paralympic achievements to football heartbreaks, the journey has been eventful.
AFCON and the Evolution of Nigerian Sports
Nigeria’s participation in sports did not begin after independence; rather, the country has been competing on international platforms since before 1960. Fast forward to 64 years after independence, and the landscape has expanded, creating moments of both joy and despair. One of the most significant highlights in this period has been Nigeria’s performance in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Although football has always been central to the nation’s sports culture, the recent AFCON campaign shows both potential and setbacks. Earlier this year, the Super Eagles reached the final of the tournament in Ivory Coast but narrowly missed out on the title, losing to the host country in a 2-1 defeat.
Despite this setback, the Super Eagles remain one of the top teams on the continent. They have won the AFCON title three times (in 1980, 1994, and 2013), and the second-place finish this year adds to their list of accomplishments. Coach Jose Peseiro’s leadership, along with the individual brilliance of players like William Troost-Ekong, who was named Player of the Tournament, kept Nigeria in the spotlight. Troost-Ekong’s contributions were vital, as he scored three crucial goals during the tournament, one of them in the final.
Women’s Cricket and a New Dawn for Nigerian Sports
While AFCON is the focal point of Nigeria’s football scene, other sports also contributed to the national sporting narrative over the past year. One such sport is cricket, which is often seen as one of the “lesser sports” in the country. However, the women’s U-19 cricket team, the Junior Yellow Greens, gave Nigerians something to celebrate by clinching a spot in the U-19 Women’s Cricket World Cup. The qualification came in Rwanda, just ahead of Independence Day celebrations. Although their final game against Zimbabwe was washed out due to rain, the Nigerian girls were named the best team in the tournament based on their unbeaten record. This remarkable achievement marked the second time Nigeria would qualify for any Cricket World Cup, following in the footsteps of the men’s U-19 team, who achieved the same feat in 2019.
The importance of this victory cannot be overstated. As the team returned to Nigeria on the very day the nation celebrated its 64th independence anniversary, it was a symbol of hope and growth in a sport that is gaining recognition despite its relatively small following compared to football.
Paralympics Success: A Source of Pride
Nigeria’s strength in sports is not only evident in mainstream competitions like AFCON but also in the Paralympics, where the country has consistently excelled. In the last year, Nigerian Paralympians once again demonstrated their resilience and skill on the global stage. Although the 2024 Paris Paralympics yielded a smaller medal haul than in previous years, the accomplishments were still significant. Team Nigeria brought home seven medals, including two gold, three silver, and two bronze.
Among the stars was para-powerlifter Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who set a new world record in the women’s over 86kg category by lifting 166kg. She not only won the gold medal but also became the first para-athlete in history to achieve such a feat. Another standout performer was para-badminton player Bolaji Eniola, who became the first African player to win a badminton medal at either the Paralympics or the Olympics. These achievements brought joy to the nation and reinforced Nigeria’s position as a powerhouse in Paralympic sports.
Boxing Breakthrough: Oshoba’s World Title
The world of Nigerian sports witnessed another breakthrough when UK-based Nigerian boxer Elizabeth Oshoba made history. Oshoba became the first Nigerian female boxer to win a world title after defeating Italy’s Michela Braga in a WBC silver featherweight championship bout in Copenhagen, Denmark. The victory, achieved in January 2024, marked Oshoba’s fourth career knockout and extended her perfect professional record to seven wins. Her triumph is a milestone for Nigerian boxing and has inspired many aspiring athletes in the country.
AFCON Stars: Osimhen and Oshoala Dominate Africa
Another significant highlight for Nigerian sports in the past year was the dominance of Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala in the African Player of the Year (APOTY) awards. For the first time since 1999, Nigeria produced both the men’s and women’s APOTY winners in the same year. Osimhen’s stellar performances for both club and country earned him the coveted title, ending a 24-year wait for Nigeria to reclaim the men’s prize. On the other hand, Oshoala extended her record with a sixth APOTY title, further solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest female footballers in African history.
This success brings back memories of Nigerian football’s golden age, particularly the back-to-back victories of Rashidi Yekini in 1993 and Emmanuel Amuneke in 1994. Oshoala and Osimhen’s awards are a testament to the continued excellence of Nigerian footballers on the global stage.
Lows: AFCON Silver and Olympic Woes
While there have been many highs in Nigerian sports over the past year, there have also been significant lows. One of the more notable disappointments came during the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where Nigeria failed to win a single medal. The country’s 88-man contingent returned empty-handed, marking the eighth time Nigeria has left the Olympics without any medals. The absence of success was further marred by controversy, as sprinter Favour Ofili was omitted from the 100m event despite having qualified. This incident followed a similar setback in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where Ofili was also unable to compete due to missed pre-competition tests. An investigation has since been launched by the Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, to uncover the reasons behind the failures at the Games.
Decline of Sports Facilities and the U-17 AFCON Miss
At 64, the state of Nigeria’s sports facilities leaves much to be desired. Despite having several stadiums across the country, only one—the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo—is approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host international matches. This is a far cry from the glory days when Nigeria hosted two FIFA tournaments in 1999 and 2009. Other iconic stadiums, like the National Stadium in Surulere, have fallen into disrepair, reflecting a broader neglect of sports infrastructure in the country.
Adding to the disappointment was Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2023 and 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cups. Despite being the most successful country in U-17 World Cup history, with five titles, Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have struggled to make an impact in recent years. Their poor performance at the WAFU B tournament earlier this year means they will miss back-to-back World Cup editions for the first time since the competition began.
Doping Scandals: A Dark Cloud Over Nigerian Sports
Lastly, Nigerian sports have been overshadowed by a series of doping scandals involving high-profile athletes. Sprinter Divine Oduduru and boxer Cynthia Ogunsemilore were both handed lengthy bans for their involvement with performance-enhancing substances. Oduduru was banned for six years after being found guilty of multiple anti-doping rule violations, while Ogunsemilore was suspended for testing positive for a banned substance ahead of her opening fight at the Paris Olympics.
These doping scandals have cast a shadow over Nigerian sports, raising concerns about the integrity of the country’s athletes on the international stage.
As Nigeria marks its 64th Independence Day anniversary, the state of sports in the country is one of both celebration and reflection. From AFCON successes to Paralympic glory and from cricket milestones to the challenges of doping and poor infrastructure, the last year has been filled with unforgettable moments. Despite the lows, the highs remind Nigerians of the potential their athletes possess. With the right investments and leadership, the future of Nigerian sports can still shine brightly on the global stage.