The Paris Olympics 2024 may have come to an end with Team Nigeria returning home with zero medal in what has been described by sports pundits as one of the country’s worst Olympics outings.
Despite the medal drought, exceptional performances were delivered by athletes such as Favour Ofili in athletics and Blessing Oborududu in wrestling.
The Olympics witnessed a memorable showcase of talent from athletes of Nigerian origin, who represented countries such as Germany, Bahrain, the United States, France, Great Britain, and Spain.
These athletes, despite their Nigerian roots, settled to compete under different flags, contributing immensely to their adopted nations’ medal tallies.
Their performances were nothing short of outstanding, with achievements ranging from gold in the shot put to silver in the 400m, hammer throw, and men’s football.
Each athlete’s journey highlighted the rich and diverse pool of talent that originates from Nigeria.
Here is an overview of eight athletes of Nigerian descent who won medals representing other nations at the Paris 2024 Olympics:
Yemisi Ogunleye (Germany):
Event: Women’s Shot Put
Medal: Gold
Yemisi Ogunleye, born in Germany to a Nigerian father, made history by winning the gold medal in the women’s shot put at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
This victory marked Germany’s first gold in the event since 1996.
Salwa Eid Naser (Bahrain):
Event: Women’s 400m
Medal: Silver
Salwa Eid Naser, originally born as Ebelechukwu Agbapuonwu in Nigeria, claimed the silver medal in the 400m for Bahrain.
Naser, who switched allegiance to Bahrain in 2014, continues to be a dominant force in track and field, adding to her collection of international medals.
Annette Echikunwoke (USA):
Event: Women’s Hammer Throw
Medal: Silver
Annette Echikunwoke, who was born in Ohio to Nigerian parents, won a silver medal in the hammer throw for the United States.
Her performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics added to her growing reputation in field events.
Michael Olise (France):
Event: Men’s Football
Medal: Silver
Michael Olise, born to a Nigerian father, was a key player for France in the men’s football competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The team won the silver medal, with Olise’s contributions being crucial to their success.
Samu Omorodion (Spain):
Event: Men’s Football
Medal: Gold
Samu Omorodion, who represented Spain, won a gold medal in men’s football at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Although he is still eligible to represent Nigeria, Omorodion has been making his mark with Spain.
Barthelemy Chinenyeze (France):
Event: Men’s Volleyball
Medal: Gold
Chinenyeze is a French volleyball player who gained prominence by leading the French national team to a gold medal in men’s volleyball.
His outstanding performance has established him as a key player in the sport.
Victoria Ohuruogu (Great Britain):
Event: 4x400m Relay
Medal: Bronze
Victoria Ohuruogu, representing Great Britain, won a bronze medal in the women’s 4x400m relay at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
She is the younger sister of Christine Ohuruogu, a former Olympic gold medalist, and has followed in her footsteps by contributing to Britain’s success in the relay.
Femi “Bam” Adebayo (USA):
Event: Men’s Basketball
Medal: Gold
Femi Bam Adebayo, often referred to simply as Bam Adebayo, played a crucial role in the USA men’s basketball team winning the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Born to a Nigerian father, Adebayo is a prominent NBA player known for his defensive prowess and versatility on the court.
Nigerian Government’s apology:
Following Team Nigeria’s failure to win any medal at the Paris Olympics, the country’s Sports Ministry has issued an unreserved apology to the citizens.