In 2024, Nigeria endured one of its toughest years administratively and economically, a reality that resonated across major industries. The sports industry was no exception. For over ten months, administrative inefficiency held sway until the federal government replaced the ineffective, politically-driven Ministry of Sports with a growth-oriented National Sports Commission, led by seasoned, sports-savvy administrators.
Amidst this turbulence, athletes, in typical Nigerian fashion, embodied the nation’s hallmark resilience, showcasing collective triumphs and, more notably, individual excellence that shone brightly.
With a conspicuous presence that cuts across various sports globally, Nigerian athletes have long been synonymous with rewriting history. This was further exemplified in 2024, as they reminded us of the brilliance that emerges even in the most trying times. On that note, Bounce Sports highlights the remarkable feats of Nigerian sportsmen and women over the year, featuring 10 outstanding individuals who have done remarkably well for themselves and the country.
- Kennedy Nzechukwu
As far as Nigerian combat sportsmen are concerned in 2024, Kennedy Nzechukwu was the standout performer. The “African Savage,” who recently transitioned from light heavyweight to heavyweight division, recorded back-to-back knockout victories over Chris Barnett and Lukasz Brzeski.
In a year where there was little to celebrate in Nigeria’s combat sports landscape — amid the decline of Anthony Joshua, Kamaru Usman, and Israel Adesanya — Nzechukwu’s gradual rise was a beacon of hope.
- Ese Brume
2024 was yet another year for Ese Brume to maintain her unbeaten streak in Africa, as she claimed her fourth African Athletics Championship title with a 6.58m jump at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix.
Brume also emerged as Nigeria’s top finisher in the Paris Olympics Long Jump final, finishing fifth with a jump of 6.70m.
- Kayinsola Ajayi
Kayinsola Ajayi’s athletic journey this year was nothing short of remarkable. The 20-year-old started the year by claiming gold in the men’s 60m at the SEC Championships in February, before setting a personal best of 10.01s to win bronze in the 100m at the NCAA Championships.
Ajayi’s Olympic debut was a defining moment of the year. Displaying nerves of steel, he edged out defending champion Marcell Jacobs to win his heat with a swift 10.02s and reached the semifinals, where he ultimately bowed out.
- Favour Ofili
Favour Ofili is easily Nigeria’s best female sprinter in 2024. Although she, like the rest of the Nigerian athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics, returned medal-less, Ofili’s performance before and during the mid-year tournament was remarkable.
In February, the 21-year-old broke a 14-year-standing African 300m record with an astounding 35.99s at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston. Ofili’s record also became a new Nigerian milestone, and she capped it off with solid displays in the 100m (10.78s) and 200m (22.33s), helping Nigeria secure a spot in the 4x100m relay at the Olympics. Despite an administrative hiccup that prevented her from participating in the 100m event at the Paris Olympics, Ofili became the first Nigerian in 28 years to reach the 200m final. She finished sixth with 22.24 seconds, just 0.41 seconds shy of the gold medalist, Gabrielle Thomas from the United States.
The Port Harcourt-born athlete also played a significant role in securing Nigeria’s qualification for the Olympics 4x100m relay in her first Olympic appearance.
- Victor Boniface
Victor Boniface’s exclusion from Nigeria’s AFCON 2023 squad due to injury was a setback, but the 24-year-old still emerged as one of Nigeria’s finest footballers in 2024. His contributions were instrumental to Bayer Leverkusen’s incredible 2023/24 season, during which the team clinched the Bundesliga title unbeaten and lifted the DFB-Pokal trophy. Boniface registered over 25 goal involvements and was also awarded the 2023/24 Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award, cementing his status as one of Europe’s young exciting talents.
While it came as a shock that Boniface was snubbed in the 10-player nominee list for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year, it served as an implicit challenge to improve his international form. Boniface’s journey with the Nigerian national team has been less remarkable, as he has yet to score in over 10 matches after assisting Samuel Chukwueze in his debut against São Tomé and Príncipe in September 2023.
- Folashade Oluwafemiayo
Paralympic powerlifter Folashade Oluwafemiayo had a year for the history books, surpassing her existing mark at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. The three-time world champion became the first female para-athlete in history to lift 166kg, exceeding her previous record of 86kg.
Oluwafemiayo’s incredible performance earned her the gold medal in the 86kg category, marking Nigeria’s second top prize at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. The Nigerian contingent also brought home three silver and two bronze medals, offering some redemption after the country’s otherwise uneventful Olympic outing.
- William Troost-Ekong
The performance of the Super Eagles’ stand-in captain, William Troost-Ekong, in 2024 was nothing if not impressive. Ekong led Nigeria to a second-place finish at AFCON 2023, emerging as the joint-highest goalscorer for the team with three goals, alongside Ademola Lookman. His outstanding displays earned him the competition’s Most Valuable Player award and a well-deserved spot in the Team of the Tournament, alongside teammates Lookman and Ola Aina.
At the club level, Ekong clinched his first major trophy — the 2023/24 Greek Super League title with PAOK Thessaloniki before moving to Saudi Arabian club, Al-Kholood for a more lucrative opportunity.
- Chiamaka Nnadozie
In a year when the Super Falcons could have achieved more, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie stood out with consistent performances. Following a stellar season with Paris FC, Nnadozie was crowned the 2024 CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for her outstanding performances at both club and national sides.
It was the second consecutive year Nnadozie earned this CAF recognition, having also won in 2023.
- Samson Dauda
Samson Dauda’s 10th-year anniversary of transitioning to competitive bodybuilding was a result-filled run that saw the Nigerian-British bodybuilder shine at the grandest stage in his field. Dauda finished second at both the Arnold Classic UK and US Men’s Open in March behind Hadi Choopan. However, the 38-year-old claimed victory at the IFBB Tsunami France Pro in September before achieving his biggest career milestone: being crowned 2024 Mr. Olympia in October.
The victory makes the Nigerian Lion the first bodybuilder of Nigerian descent to be crowned Mr. Olympia.
- Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman was indisputably Nigeria’s most consistent athlete in 2024. The Super Eagles winger was phenomenal at AFCON 2023, scoring three goals and earning a place in the Team of the Tournament.
At the club level, Lookman maintained his remarkable form for Atalanta, contributing to over 20 goals. The 26-year-old was instrumental in La Dea’s historic victory over Bayer Leverkusen to win the 2023/24 Europa League, after falling short in the Coppa Italia title to Juventus.
These accomplishments earned Lookman Atalanta’s Player of the Season award and a 13th-place finish in the Ballon d’Or rankings. He capped off an exceptional year by being named the 2024 CAF Footballer of the Year, becoming the sixth Nigerian to receive the honour.
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