Major events that shaped Nigeria’s sports in 2024

Sports is one of those sectors that routinely print smiles on the faces of Nigerians. Year 2024 was not different, with plenty laurels, near misses, and disappointments. GOWON AKPODONOR highlights those memorable episodes as part of what to anticipate in the New Year.

The year 2024 started on a skeptical note, with the Super Eagles rising from their lowest ebb following poor performances and results throughout 2023.
But against all expectations, the team surprised even themselves, treating the entire nation to some good performances at the 2024 AFCON, where they bulldozed their way to the finals in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

Lookman conquers African football
THE emergence of Super Eagles strongman Ademola Lookman as the African Footballer of the Year (2024) underlines Nigeria’s improving profile in Africa. It also indicates a brighter future for the team in 2025. Until now, Nigeria has not had two different back-to-back winners of the coveted award.
 
His triumph made him the seventh Nigerian to win the prestigious award and upheld Nigeria’s impressive record in the category following Victor Osimhen’s victory in 2023.
 
The striker had made history as the first player to score a hat-trick in a UEFA Europa League final. His three goals led Atalanta to a stunning 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, ending the German side’s 51-match unbeaten run.

Team Nigeria’s outing at Paris Olympics
A contingent of 88 athletes departed Nigeria for the Paris Olympic Games with high expectations of surpassing the nation’s performance at the Atlanta ’96 Games.
 
Among other things, the people’s expectations were hinged on the fact that, after all, Team Nigeria had in its fold the fastest woman over the 100m hurdles in the world (Tobi Amusan),