Nigerian athletes have showcased exceptional talent and determination across various sports globally in 2024, achieving remarkable feats on international platforms. The latest highlight is Ademola Lookman’s win of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) African Footballer of the Year award.
These athletes have embodied Nigeria’s legacy of brilliance and resilience, breaking records in sports and excelling in football, boxing, rugby, and more. Here’s a look at the top 10 Nigerian athletes of 2024:
Ademola Lookman (Football)
Ademola Lookman, a standout player for Atalanta in Serie A, enjoyed an extraordinary year, capped by being named the 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year. This made him the sixth Nigerian to win this prestigious honor. Lookman’s hat-trick in the Europa League final played a key role in Atalanta’s victory, while his three goals at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) helped Nigeria secure a runner-up finish.
Kanyinsola Ajayi (Sprint)
Kanyinsola Ajayi has had a stellar year, starting with a gold medal in the men’s 60m at the SEC Championships in February. He set a personal best of 10.01s in the 100m at the NCAA Championships, clinching bronze, and helped his team secure gold in the 4x100m relay.
William Troost-Ekong (Football)
As captain of the Super Eagles, William Troost-Ekong earned Player of the Tournament honors at the 2023 AFCON, leading Nigeria to one of its best performances in years. His stellar form also earned him a nomination for FIFA’s 2024 Best XI, solidifying his position as one of the top defenders globally.
Ese Brume (Track)
Undefeated in Africa for nearly a decade, Ese Brume, the African record holder in women’s long jump, continued to impress in 2024. She secured a 6.58m jump at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, claimed her fourth African Athletics Championship title, and finished 5th at the Paris Olympics, marking Nigeria’s best performance in the event.
Anthony Joshua (Boxing)
Two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua remained a legend in the ring. Earning $75 million in 2024, Joshua defeated Francis Ngannou by knockout in March and was nominated for British Boxing Awards’ “Boxer of the Year.” Beyond boxing, he’s known for his charitable work and community projects.
Victor Boniface (Football)
Victor Boniface made a significant impact at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, helping the club win its first-ever league title. With 20 goals in 33 matches in the 2023-2024 season, Boniface has emerged as one of Europe’s top attacking talents, drawing attention from top clubs like Chelsea.
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (Track and Field – Shot Put)
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, Nigeria’s shot put champion, broke his own national record in 2024, earning multiple continental titles. He set an African Indoor Record of 21.63m and a new Nigerian record of 21.91m at the Prefontaine Classic, while also defending his African Games title.
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Football)
Chiamaka Nnadozie solidified her status as one of the world’s best goalkeepers, earning back-to-back CAF Best Goalkeeper awards in 2023 and 2024. Her performances at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2024 Paris Olympics were crucial in helping the Super Falcons achieve remarkable global success.
Samuel Ogazi (Sprint)
Samuel Ogazi, a rising star in sprinting, made waves in the 100m and 200m events in 2024. Known for his speed and resilience, Ogazi earned a bronze medal in the 400m at the African Championships and set a personal best at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Favour Ofili (Sprint)
Favour Ofili had a breakthrough year in 2024, setting a new African record in the 300m with a time of 35.99s. She also won the 100m at LSU with 10.78s, made history by reaching the Olympic 200m final, and helped Nigeria secure its 9th consecutive 4x100m relay appearance at the Olympics.
These athletes have made Nigeria proud with their exceptional performances, securing their places as some of the world’s top talents across a range of sports.
