The landscape of Nigerian sports is filled with compelling narratives of athletes who demonstrated remarkable tenacity to achieve great victories. Athletes such as Chioma Ajunwa, the gold medalist from Atlanta 1996, and the memorable successes of the Dream Team, have established Nigerian athletes as stars in the Olympic arena.
Yet, in spite of their achievements, a number of these athletes face financial hardships once the applause fades and they return to their everyday lives. Quite often, they are neglected, without the necessary support to put their lives back together, even in the wake of their significant achievements.
However, a recent announcement by World Athletics has presented athletes around the world, particularly those hailing from Nigeria, with a beacon of hope for their post-athletics life. The World Athletics announced in April that it would become the first international federation to award prize money at the Olympic Games. Athletes who win gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, scheduled to begin in July, will each receive a cash reward of $50,000.
This groundbreaking decision holds particular significance for Nigerian athletes who have frequently been underfunded despite their international success. As they gear up for the Paris 2024 Olympics, these athletes can be filled with a renewed sense of optimism that they may finally receive the support they rightfully deserve.
Nigerian Athletes (Track & Field) Who have Qualified for Paris 2024 Olympics
Track & road events
Field Events
Favour Ashe: Sprint Sensation
In 2022, Favour Ashe made history by running a wind-assisted 9.79 seconds in the 100 meters, the fastest time by any Nigerian athlete in all conditions. Born in Ughelli, Delta State, Ashe started his athletic journey at a young age, showing immense potential in sprinting. His talent was nurtured through the years, leading to his remarkable performances on the international stage.
In June 2023, he set a new personal best of 9.96 seconds at the NCAA Championships. Ashe continued to impress in 2024, becoming the first Nigerian sprinter to run sub-10 seconds five times in three consecutive years. His consistent performance and determination have made him a formidable contender for gold in Paris. Beyond the track, Ashe is known for his dedication to fitness and his role as an inspiration to young Nigerian athletes aspiring to follow in his footsteps.
Emmanuel Bamidele: The 400m Dynamo
Emmanuel Bamidele, a 400-metre specialist, has had a unique and challenging journey. He won the men’s 400m at the Nigerian Commonwealth Games Trials in 2018 with a time of 45.28 seconds, placing him inside the world top 60 in the event by the end of the year. However, shortly after, reports emerged that Bamidele left the Nigerian camp and was considering an offer to represent Qatar.
By 2019, Bamidele represented Qatar in the 400m at the Doha Diamond League, finishing second. However, his passion for representing Nigeria saw him return to the fold. In 2022, while running for Texas A&M, he finished fourth at the outdoor SEC championships and anchored the 4 × 400 m relay team to victory.
In June 2023, representing the University of Florida, he ran a personal best of 44.24 seconds to win the NCAA outdoor final. Bamidele’s resilience and determination to excel have been evident throughout his career, marked by his strong performances in major competitions. Off the track, Bamidele is known for his focus on education and his commitment to inspiring young athletes through mentorship programs.
Edose Ibadin: Middle-Distance Maestro
Edose Ibadin, an 800-metre runner, holds the Nigerian record with a personal best of 1:44.65 minutes, set in 2023. Born in Benin City, Ibadin moved to the United States, where he attended Hampton University. His collegiate career saw him earn multiple accolades, paving the way for his international career.
He competed at the 2017 World Championships, the 2019 African Games, and the 2019 World Championships, though he did not reach the finals. His journey to the top has been marked by perseverance and continuous improvement. Training with the District Track Club, Ibadin’s dedication paid off when he broke the Nigerian record.
Beyond athletics, Ibadin is pursuing a graduate degree, emphasising the importance of balancing sports and education. He advocates rights and actively works to ensure better support and opportunities for Nigerian athletes.
Ezekiel Nathaniel: Hurdling to Success
Ezekiel Nathaniel, a 400-metre hurdler, made headlines when he set a Nigerian record of 48.42 seconds in May 2022 during his freshman year at Baylor University in Texas. Nathaniel’s journey in athletics began in Lagos, where his exceptional talent in hurdles was evident from a young age.
His performance at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, saw him qualify for the semi-finals, showcasing his potential on the global stage. In 2023, he reached the semi-finals at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in hurdling.
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Nathaniel balances his rigorous training schedule with his academic commitments at Baylor University, where he studiessports management. He aims to use his education and athletic platform to advocate for better sports facilities and support for young athletes in Nigeria.
Favour Ofili: Sprint Queen
Favour Ofili is a dynamic sprinter specialising in the 200 meters. Born in Delta State, Ofili emerged as a top talent from a young age. She is the African indoor record holder and the first Nigerian woman to break the 22-second barrier in the event, achieving this milestone clocking 21.96 seconds.
Ofili’s impressive track record includes a bronze medal at the 2021 World Under-20 Championships and becoming the first female NCAA athlete to run sub-11 seconds in the 100 meters and sub-22 seconds in the 200 meters. Her versatility in competing in 100 and 200 meters makes her a key athlete for Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Beyond her athletic pursuits, Ofili is a student at Louisiana State University (LSU), majoring in kinesiology. She is passionate about using her education to improve sports training and rehabilitation methods in Nigeria. Ofili also engages in community service, working with youth programs to encourage participation in sports.
Tobi Amusan: Hurdling Phenom
Tobi Amusan is a world-renowned hurdler and sprinter, specialising in the 100-meter hurdles. Born in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Amusan’s journey to stardom began with her early successes in local competitions. She won the 100-meter hurdles at the 2022 World Athletics Championships, setting a new world record of 12.12 seconds in the semi-final and 12.06 seconds in the final.
Amusan’s achievements include winning the African Games twice, the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and the 2021 Diamond League Trophy. Her dominance in her event and consistent performance have made her a favourite for gold in Paris.
In addition to her athletic career, Amusan is pursuing a degree in health sciences. She is an advocate for women’s empowerment and actively works to inspire young girls in Nigeria to pursue sports. Amusan’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Ese Brume: Long Jump Virtuoso
Ese Brume is a long jump specialist known for her remarkable consistency and achievements on the international stage. Born in Ughelli, Delta State, Brume’s talent was evident early on, leading to her winning three medals at the 2013 African Junior Championships. She continued to shine by winning gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the African Championships.
Brume holds the African record with a jump of 7.17 meters, breaking Chioma Ajunwa’s record set in 1996. She won a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and a silver medal at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene. Brume’s journey is marked by her dedication to improving her performance and her passion for representing Nigeria.
Off the track, Brume is studying business administration and is involved in various charitable activities. She is committed to using her platform to support underprivileged communities in Nigeria and to advocate for better sports infrastructure in the country.
Ruth Usoro: Triple Jump Trailblazer
Ruth Usoro, a long jumper and triple jumper, has made significant strides in her career. Born in Akwa Ibom State, Usoromoved to the United States to pursue her education and athletics career at Texas Tech University. In 2021, she jumped 6.82 meters in the long jump, meeting the qualifying standard for the Tokyo Olympics.
Usoro won the NCAA indoor and outdoor titles in 2021, establishing herself as one of the top collegiate athletes in the United States. Despite being ruled out of the Tokyo Olympics due to non-compliance with out-of-competition drug testing requirements, she continued to excel, winning gold in the triple jump at the 2023 African Games.
Beyond her athletic career, Usoro is studying sports science and aims to contribute to the development of sports medicine in Nigeria. She is passionate about mentoring young athletes and promoting clean sports.
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi: Shot Put Titan
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi has emerged as a dominant force in the shot put, boasting multiple national and African records that underscore his prowess in the event. His journey to prominence culminated in a silver medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and a gold medal at the African Championships, solidifying his reputation as one of Africa’s premier shot putters. Enekwechi’sconsistency and unparalleled strength have been pivotal to his success, making him a formidable competitor capable of challenging the best in the world.
As Nigerian athletics gear up for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. His remarkable achievements serve as a testament to the resilience and determination that define the nation’s sporting spirit. With his sights set on Olympic glory, Enekwechi is poised to make his mark on the global stage, inspiring generations with his extraordinary talent and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Nigerian athletes have demonstrated remarkable talent and perseverance, achieving success on the global stage despite facing numerous challenges. With the introduction of prize money for Olympic gold medalists, there is renewed hope for better support and recognition. As they prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympics, these athletes carry the aspirations of a nation, aiming to make history once again.
