Nigerian athletes have continued to make waves on the global stage in 2024, displaying incredible skill and achieving outstanding success in various sports. Despite facing economic challenges and uncertainties, they stood out with their exceptional performances and inspiring achievements.
One of the standout moments came when Ademola Lookman was named African Footballer of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), a well-deserved recognition of his remarkable talent.
From football fields to athletics tracks, their performances demonstrated resilience, determination, and a commitment to excellence, as well as the determination that Nigerians are known for, breaking records and dominating their fields.
Here are the top Nigerian athletes who made their mark in 2024:
1. William Troost-Ekong (Football)
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong stood out with his brilliant performances during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). His leadership and on-field prowess earned him the Player of the Tournament award as he led Nigeria to one of its most successful AFCON campaigns in over a decade.
Following his AFCON heroics, Troost-Ekong received a nomination for FIFA’s 2024 Best XI, a testament to his status as one of the finest defenders in the game. His achievements in 2024 underscored his significant role in Nigerian football’s resurgence on the global stage.
2. Ademola Lookman (Football)
Ademola Lookman had an unforgettable year, cementing his place among the continent’s finest footballers. The Atalanta forward was honoured as the 2024 African Footballer of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), becoming the sixth Nigerian to win this coveted award.
Lookman’s stellar contributions were instrumental in Atalanta’s Europa League victory, where he scored a memorable hat-trick in the final. His brilliance extended to the international level, where his three goals at the 2023 AFCON played a key role in Nigeria’s runner-up finish.
3. Victor Boniface (Football)
Victor Boniface made waves in European football following his transfer to Bayer Leverkusen in 2023. His impact was immediate, scoring 20 goals in 33 league matches to help Leverkusen secure their first-ever Bundesliga title during the 2023–2024 season.
Boniface’s consistency and goal-scoring prowess continued into the 2024–2025 season, with six goals in 10 appearances. Having scored 31 goals in 34 matches across all competitions since joining Leverkusen, he has become one of Europe’s most coveted strikers, with clubs like Chelsea eyeing him for a potential transfer.
4. Kanyinsola Ajayi (Sprint)
Kanyinsola Ajayi’s 2024 season was a dream come true. He began the year by winning gold in the 60m at the SEC Championships. Outdoors, he clocked a personal best of 10.01 seconds to win bronze in the 100m at the NCAA Championships and helped his team clinch gold in the 4x100m relay.
Ajayi continued his impressive form at the Nigerian Olympic Trials, securing his first national title with a time of 10.14 seconds. At the African Championships, he anchored the 4x100m relay team to silver. His Olympic debut was equally remarkable, as he won his heat by beating defending champion Marcell Jacobs and reached the semi-finals in the 100m.
5. Ese Brume (Track and Field – Long Jump)
Ese Brume maintained her dominance in the long jump, remaining undefeated in Africa for nearly a decade. She started her season with a leap of 6.58m at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, followed by a season-best 6.84m at the Howie Ryan Invitational.
Brume defended her African Games title with a wind-aided jump of 6.92m and went on to secure her fourth African Athletics Championship title with a 6.94m leap. At the Paris Olympics, she made history by being part of the first-ever Nigerian trio in the women’s long jump final, finishing fifth, the best performance by a Nigerian in the event.
6. Anthony Joshua (Boxing)
Anthony Joshua, the two-time heavyweight world champion, continued to dominate the boxing scene in 2024. He earned an estimated $75 million during the year, making him one of the top three highest-earning boxers.
Joshua’s year began with a high-profile knockout victory against Francis Ngannou on March 8 in Riyadh. Beyond the ring, his philanthropic efforts and support for community projects further highlighted his influence both as a boxer and a role model.
7. Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (Track and Field – Shot Put)
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi continued his ascent as a leading figure in the shot put. In 2024, he broke the African Indoor Record with a throw of 21.63m and set a new Nigerian outdoor record of 21.91m at the Prefontaine Classic.
Enekwechi’s success extended to the African Games and the African Championships, where he clinched gold. At the Paris Olympics, he finished sixth in the men’s shot put final, further solidifying his reputation as a dominant force in the sport.
8. Samuel Ogazi (Sprint)
Samuel Ogazi’s performances in 2024 redefined the quarter-mile event for Nigeria. He began the year with a personal best of 45.35 seconds, improving it to 44.58 seconds at the SEC Outdoor Championships, the fastest time by a Nigerian in 37 years.
Ogazi secured silver at the NCAA Championships and bronze at the African Championships. His contributions to Nigeria’s mixed 4x400m relay team at the Paris Olympics highlighted his growing stature as one of Nigeria’s top sprinters.
9. Favour Ofili (Sprint)
Favour Ofili’s record-breaking year included smashing the 14-year-old African 300m record with a time of 35.99 seconds. Her outdoor season was equally impressive, with a wind-aided 10.85 seconds in the 100m and a personal best of 22.33 seconds in the 200m to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
Ofili reached the Olympic 200m final, becoming the first Nigerian since 1996 to achieve this feat. She also played a key role in Nigeria’s 4x100m relay team, showcasing her speed and determination throughout the year.
10. Chiamaka Nnadozie (Football)
Chiamaka Nnadozie’s exceptional goalkeeping skills earned her the CAF Best Goalkeeper award for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024). Her outstanding performances at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Paris Olympics were crucial to the Super Falcons’ success on the global stage.
Nnadozie’s consistent excellence at both club and international levels has solidified her reputation as one of the finest goalkeepers in the world, a true icon of Nigerian football.
Final Thoughts
2024 was a landmark year for Nigerian athletes, as they shone brightly on both local and international stages. From football stars making history in Europe and Africa to track and field athletes breaking records and setting new benchmarks, their achievements are as a result of their hard work, dedication, and high spirit.
These sports icons have not only brought glory to Nigeria but have also inspired millions with their perseverance and passion. Their success and achievement remind us of the importance of nurturing talent, investing in sports development, and believing in the limitless potential of Nigerian athletes.
