The year 2024 was a mixed bag of emotions for Nigerian sports, with moments of triumph and significant challenges for everyone.
While Nigerian sports saw moments of brilliance in 2024, recurring issues like poor administration, funding challenges, and doping controversies overshadowed these successes. The year highlighted the need for systemic reforms to ensure sustained progress and success in Nigerian sports.
These events sparked discussions about the future of Nigerian sports and the necessary steps to address the challenges faced by athletes and administrators alike.
Highs of Nigerian Sports in 2024
D’Tigress’ historic Olympic performance
D’Tigress made history by becoming the first African women’s basketball team to reach the Olympic quarterfinals, a feat that drew global recognition.
Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, had a memorable outing against heavyweights like Australia, France, and Canada, with Coach Rena Wakama clinching the best coach award.
To everyone’s surprise, the D’Tigress beat Australia on the first day, their first-ever group stage win at the Olympics.
Although they lost to France, they bounced back to surprise Canada, earning a ticket to the knockout stages and becoming the first African basketball team, male or female, to play in the Olympic quarterfinals.
Ademola Lookman’s CAF Award
Ademola Lookman experienced a remarkable year in 2024, marked by significant achievements both at the club and international levels.
In December 2024, Lookman was honoured with the CAF African Footballer of the Year award. His exceptional performances for both Atalanta and the Nigerian national team were key factors in this recognition.
On May 22, 2024, Lookman delivered a standout performance in the UEFA Europa League final, scoring a hat-trick to lead Atalanta to a 3–0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen. This victory secured Atalanta’s first European title and ended Leverkusen’s unbeaten run in the competition.
Throughout the 2023–24 Serie A season, Lookman was instrumental in Atalanta’s offensive lineup, netting 11 goals and providing 5 assists. His consistent performance has been pivotal in Atalanta’s strong league position.
Lookman played a crucial role in Nigeria’s journey to the AFCON final, scoring three goals during the tournament. His contributions were vital in propelling Nigeria to the final stages of the competition.
His outstanding performances have not only earned him individual accolades but have also elevated his profile in European football.
Super Eagles’ AFCON Journey
The Super Eagles of Nigeria embarked on a commendable journey in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), ending in a runner-up finish.
In the final against Ivory Coast, Nigeria took an early lead with a goal from William Troost-Ekong in the 38th minute. However, Ivory Coast mounted a comeback with goals from Franck Kessié and Sébastien Haller, securing a 2–1 victory and their third AFCON title.
Throughout the tournament, Nigeria demonstrated skill and determination, with standout performances from players like Ademola Lookman, who was instrumental in their offensive play.
Despite the final setback, the Super Eagles’ journey in the 2023 AFCON was marked by commendable performances and a strong showing on the continental stage.
Hosting the African Military Games
Nigeria successfully hosted the second edition of the African Military Games (AMGA) in Abuja from November 18 to 30, 2024.
This multi-sport event brought together military athletes from 25 African nations, competing across 20 sports disciplines.
The successful hosting of the AMGA 2024 underscores Nigeria’s capacity to organise large-scale international sporting events, highlighting its commitment to promoting unity and cooperation among African nations through sports.
Success of Nigerian Clubs
2024 was a year of significant achievements for Nigerian football clubs, both on the domestic front and in continental competitions, highlighting the nation’s growing influence in the sport.
The 2023–24 season concluded with Enugu Rangers clinching their eighth league title on June 16, 2024, after a 1–1 draw with Rivers United. This victory secured their qualification for the 2024–25 CAF Champions League.
The women’s team, Edo Queens, made significant strides in 2024, marking a milestone in Nigerian women’s football.
Edo Queens clinched their first league title in the 2023–24 season, finishing atop the Super Six table. This victory secured their qualification for the 2024–25 CAF Women’s Champions League.
In August 2024, Edo Queens triumphed in the WAFU-B Zonal Champions League, defeating Ainonvi FC of Benin Republic 3–0 in the final. This win earned them a spot in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Representing Nigeria, Edo Queens participated in the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League held in Morocco. They commenced their campaign with a 3–0 victory over CBE FC of Ethiopia. Despite a valiant effort, they were eliminated in the semi-finals by TP Mazembe.
The new NSC
The introduction of the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC) and the emergence of Shehu Dikko as chairman are two distinct milestones in the country’s sports development.
The Nigeria Sports Commission was established to provide a structured framework for the administration and promotion of sports in Nigeria. This was part of the government’s effort to formalise and professionalise sports management in the country.
Dikko’s emergence signifies a modern push towards professionalism and global competitiveness in Nigerian sports, particularly football.
Lows of Nigerian Sports in 2024
Olympic Controversies
Team Nigeria’s outing at the Paris 2024 Olympics was marked by controversy and underachievement, with athletes and officials citing mismanagement and inadequate preparation as key factors.
Sprinter Favour Ofili was unexpectedly omitted from the women’s 100m event at the Olympics due to administrative errors by Nigerian sports authorities, leading to public outcry and calls for accountability.
Doping Scandals
Nigerian boxer Cynthia Ogunsemilore faced a provisional suspension after testing positive for a banned substance during the Olympics, raising concerns about doping controls within Nigerian sports.
Funding and logistic issues
Nigerian athletes protested against inadequate funding and unequal training grants, particularly between home-based and foreign-based athletes, bringing attention to systemic issues in sports administration.
AFCON Qualifier Boycott
The Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya was marred by significant controversy, leading to Nigeria’s boycott of the match and subsequent disciplinary actions by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
On October 14, 2024, the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, were en route to Benghazi, Libya, for their AFCON qualifier. Their flight was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq Airport, approximately 230 kilometers from their intended destination.
Upon arrival, the team was reportedly stranded at the airport for over 16 hours without access to food, water, or communication facilities. Citing concerns for their safety and well-being, the Super Eagles decided to boycott the match and returned to Nigeria.
The NFF supported the team’s decision, condemning the treatment received in Libya and expressing intentions to lodge an official complaint with CAF, while the Libyan Football Federation expressed regret over the incident but denied any deliberate wrongdoing, attributing the situation to logistical challenges.
CAF initiated an investigation into the incident, seeking detailed reports from both football federations. On October 26, 2024, CAF’s disciplinary committee found the LFF in breach of AFCON regulations and the CAF Disciplinary Code. Consequently, CAF awarded Nigeria a 3-0 victory and fined Libya $50,000.
The awarded victory placed Nigeria at the top of Group D with 10 points, enhancing their prospects for qualifying for the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco.
Calls for sports administration reforms
The events of 2024 underscored persistent issues within Nigerian sports administration, including inadequate funding, lack of proper athlete support, and systemic inefficiencies. These challenges have been cited as significant barriers to the development and success of Nigerian athletes on the global stage.
These incidents highlight the need for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s sports sector to address administrative shortcomings and better support athletes in their pursuit of excellence.
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