From continental football glory to Paralympic records, Nigerian athletes wrote their names in gold across multiple sporting disciplines in what has been a remarkable year for the country’s sports, reports PETER AKINBO The year 2024 will go down as one of the most successful in Nigerian sports history, with the country’s athletes breaking new ground and setting unprecedented records across various sporting disciplines. From Ademola Lookman’s coronation as Africa’s best footballer to Elizabeth Oshoba’s historic world boxing titles, and Folashade Oluwafemiayo’s Paralympic feat, Nigerian athletes have consistently proven their mettle on the global stage. Lookman the King When Ademola Lookman was crowned the 2024 CAF African Footballer of The Year in Marrakech, Morocco, it wasn’t just another award ceremony – it was the culmination of a meteoric rise that saw the 27-year-old etch his name alongside Nigeria’s football greats.
The Atalanta forward’s triumph made him the seventh Nigerian to win the prestigious award, following Victor Osimhen’s victory in 2023. His remarkable year included three goals and two assists as Nigeria reached their eighth Africa Cup of Nations final in February, while his historic hat-trick secured the UEFA Europa League for Atalanta against Bayer Leverkusen in May – becoming the first African to score a treble in a major European final. For his Europa League final exploits, the 27-year-old earned a rare 10 rating from L’Equipe – .
