Top 10 Nigerian Athletes Who Shone Brightly in 2024
2024 has been a standout year for Nigerian athletes, who have not only excelled on the global stage but have also made the country proud with their remarkable performances across various sports. From breaking records to claiming prestigious titles, these athletes have shown what Nigerian talent can achieve. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 Nigerian athletes who have made waves this year.
1. Ademola Lookman (Football)
Ademola Lookman’s 2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary. The Atalanta forward, who has been on fire in Serie A, made history by being named the CAF African Footballer of the Year – the sixth Nigerian to claim this honor. Lookman was instrumental in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph, scoring a memorable hat-trick in the final, and played a key role in Nigeria’s runner-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, with three goals to his name.
2. Kanyinsola Ajayi (Sprint)
Kanyinsola Ajayi has proven that hard work pays off in 2024. From winning a gold medal in the 60m at the SEC Championships to setting a personal best of 10.01 seconds at the NCAA Championships, Ajayi’s breakthrough year continued with impressive performances at the African Championships. His remarkable feat of defeating Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs at the Paris Olympics earned him a spot in the semi-finals, marking a huge personal achievement.
3. William Troost-Ekong (Football)
William Troost-Ekong, the captain of the Super Eagles, has shown true leadership this year. His performances in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations earned him the Player of the Tournament award, and his stellar defensive play continued to shine through. Troost-Ekong’s nomination for FIFA’s 2024 Best XI cemented his place as one of the world’s top defenders.
4. Ese Brume (Track and Field – Long Jump)
Ese Brume has maintained her dominance in African athletics, especially in the women’s Long Jump. Undefeated on the continent for nearly a decade, Brume once again proved her brilliance, defending her title at the African Games with a jump of 6.92 meters. She also made history at the Paris Olympics, helping Nigeria achieve its best-ever performance in the Long Jump final with a 5th place finish.
5. Anthony Joshua (Boxing)
Anthony Joshua continues to be a legend in the world of boxing. In 2024, the two-time heavyweight champion earned $75 million, placing him among the highest-paid boxers of the year. Joshua kicked off the year with a knockout win over Francis Ngannou, and his impressive earnings reflect his ongoing success inside and outside the ring. Known for his charitable work and community-focused projects, Joshua continues to be a role model both in sports and beyond.
6. Victor Boniface (Football)
Victor Boniface has truly been a revelation in European football. After a surprise transfer to Bayer Leverkusen, the Nigerian forward was instrumental in the club’s historic Bundesliga title win, scoring 20 goals in 33 matches. His consistent performances have established him as one of the top strikers in Europe, with elite clubs, including Chelsea, showing interest in him as he continues to impress in the 2024-2025 season.
7. Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (Track and Field – Shot Put)
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi has been breaking records and winning titles in 2024. The shot put champion set a new Nigerian record with a throw of 21.91 meters and clinched the African Championship title once again. Enekwechi’s perseverance and commitment to the sport have made him one of the best in his discipline, with his record-breaking performances inspiring the next generation of Nigerian athletes.
8. Chiamaka Nnadozie (Football – Goalkeeper)
Chiamaka Nnadozie’s performances in 2024 have solidified her as one of the world’s best goalkeepers. After being named CAF Best Goalkeeper in both 2023 and 2024, Nnadozie’s incredible saves and leadership on the field have made her a key player for the Super Falcons. Her heroics in both the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics helped Nigeria reach impressive heights, earning her international acclaim.
9. Samuel Ogazi (Sprint)
Samuel Ogazi made history in 2024 with his incredible performances in the 400m sprint. His 44.58 seconds time made him the fastest Nigerian male quartermiler in 37 years, and he helped Nigeria’s mixed 4x400m relay team qualify for the Paris Olympics. At the African Championships, Ogazi took home a bronze medal, and at the Paris Olympics, he reached the 400m final, making it Nigeria’s best result in the event in over three decades.
10. Favour Ofili (Sprint)
Favour Ofili has had a groundbreaking year in 2024. She broke the 14-year-old African 300m record, ran the third-fastest 100m time by a Nigerian, and qualified for the Olympics in the 200m. At the Paris Olympics, Ofili became the first Nigerian woman since 1996 to reach the Olympic 200m final, where she finished 6th. Her powerful performances have marked her as one of the brightest stars in Nigerian athletics.
These athletes have made us proud by not only achieving great feats but also inspiring others to pursue their dreams. Their hard work, resilience, and determination to succeed are testaments to the greatness of Nigerian talent. As they continue to represent us on the global stage, there’s no doubt that their future is even brighter.
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