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2024 had many highs and also lows for Nigerian sports, but overall, can you say it was a good year?
It was a mix of triumph and adversity for Nigerian Sports in 2024, from the Super Eagles' impressive outing at the African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast to D'tigress making a statement at the Olympics.
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In this article, we take a look at some moments that defined Nigerian sports in 2024.
D'Tigress' Historic Run at the Paris Olympics
This is likely to be remembered as a major highlight of the year when the Nigerian women's basketball team, D'Tigress, had a groundbreaking performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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They became the first African team (male or female) to reach the quarterfinals of the Olympic basketball event.
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18:10 - 28.10.2024
Tomi Taiwo: Nigerian D'Tigress star celebrated for Olympics at Caitlin Clark's homecoming
In Caitlin Clark's homecoming, Nigerian D'Tigress star Tomi Taiwo was celebrated for the Olympics by Iowa basketball.
Their victories against strong opponents like Australia and Canada were historic and showcased the growth of women's basketball in Nigeria and Africa.
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For leading Nigeria to a historic achievement at the Olympics, D' Tigress coach Rena Wakama was rightly named the best at the Paris 2024 Fiesta.
Nigeria ends Paris 2024 Olympics without a Medal
Going into the Olympics in Paris, Nigerians had high hopes that the team would win medals, but the Games eventually ended without Team Nigeria picking up a single medal.
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The Games began with much fanfare, with the Nigerian contingent showcasing vibrant cultural attire during the opening ceremonies. However, there was no podium finish for any Nigerian athlete across all sporting events.
Several athletes came close to medals; Favour Ofili achieved a commendable 6th place in the women’s 200-meter final while Blessing Oborududu narrowly missed a bronze medal in the 68kg freestyle wrestling category.
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09:13 - 23.07.2024
Paris 2024: Tobi Amusan named Nigeria's flag bearer for the Olympics
The World Record Holder in the 100m hurdles will be Nigeria's flag bearer at the Olympics.
In the long jump, Ese Brume, Ruth Usoro, and Prestina Ochonogor all reached the finals but were unable to secure a top-three finish.
Super Eagles' incredible run at 2023 AFCON
The Super Eagles' run at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), held in early 2024 in Côte d'Ivoire, was indeed a captivating one, filled with highs and lows.
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Nigeria started strong, topping their group. The Super Eagles continued their impressive form in the knockout stages until their semi-final clash against South Africa - a dramatic encounter that ended in a 1-1 draw and was settled via penalty shootouts.
Stanley Nwabali was a standout performer for the Super Eagles during the penalty shootouts, saving two penalties. Despite playing for Chippa United in the PSL, his heroics denied South Africa the chance to advance to the final.
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16:13 - 30.12.2024
Super Eagles set to face tough draw at CHAN 2024
Nigeria's six-year absence from CHAN is likely to make the team face tough opponents in the group stage.
Nigeria reached the final, setting up a rematch against Côte d'Ivoire whom the Super Eagles had defeated 1-0 in the group stages.
The final was tense and closely contested. Nigeria took the lead through a William Troost-Ekong header in the first half, but Côte d'Ivoire fought back to equalise and eventually win the match 2-1.
Incredible Ademola Lookman
One of the best moments for Nigeria's Sports is the rise of Ademola Lookman and his ascension to the throne as the 2024 African Footballer of the Year.
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Lookman also received a nomination for the Ballon d'Or in 2024, marking a notable achievement as he ranked 14th in the standings. He was the only African nominee in the men's category for the year.
Super Falcons returns to the Olympics after 16 years
The Super Falcons did indeed make a return to the Olympics at the Paris 2024 Games for the first time in 16 years.
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15:30 - 30.12.2024
Super Falcons star Rasheedat Ajibade questions man who wants to marry her
The 25-year-old, focused on her football career, is not currently married and was seen correcting a suitor.
The Super Falcons secured their spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics after a strong performance in the qualifying rounds.
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At the Olympics, they faced tough competition in the group stage, playing against strong teams like Brazil, Spain, and Japan.
However, it was not to be, as the Super Falcons lost all three games at the group stages to crash out of the competition.
With all the aforementioned stories of highs and lows, can we say 2024 was a good year for Nigerian sports in general?
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