PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 27: A couple kiss under the Eiffel Tower as the Olympic Rings are displayed during previews ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on June 27, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
A Year in Sports: Global and Nigerian highlights of 2024
The year 2024 was a thrilling one for sports enthusiasts worldwide, with numerous events that showcased the best of human athleticism, skill, and determination. From historic tournaments to inspiring achievements, both globally and in Nigeria, here is an expanded overview of the year’s most memorable moments in sports.
Global Sporting Highlights
Paris 2024 Summer Olympics
The Paris Summer Olympics, held from July 26 to August 11, captured global attention with its innovations and celebrations of diversity. Among the standout moments were the debut of breaking (breakdancing) as an Olympic sport and the achievement of full gender parity in athlete participation.
A view of singer Celine Dion performing on the Eiffel Tower during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Screengrab by IOC via Getty Images)
The United States emerged as the overall leader with 40 gold medals and a total of 113 medals.
Host nation France delighted home fans with its best-ever performance, securing 16 gold medals and finishing fifth overall.
Athletes from smaller nations also shone, with countries like Fiji excelling in rugby sevens and Jamaica continuing their dominance in sprint events.
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 03: Athletes of decathlon pose for a photo for an aerial shot on day eight of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 03, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
UEFA Euro 2024
Germany played host to the UEFA European Football Championship, a tournament that featured high-octane action and stunning upsets. Italy triumphed as the champions, defeating England 3-1 in a dramatic final in Berlin.
BERLIN, GERMANY – JULY 14: Alvaro Morata of Spain lifts the UEFA Euro 2024 Henri Delaunay Trophy after his team’s victory during the UEFA EURO 2024 final match between Spain and England at Olympiastadion on July 14, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Co-hosted by the United States and the West Indies from June 4 to 30, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was a spectacle of cricketing excellence. India claimed the title, defeating South-Africa in the final, thanks to a scintillating performance by star batsman Virat Kohli, who was named Player of the Tournament.
BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS – JUNE 29: Rohit Sharma of India lifts the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup Trophy following the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024 Final match between South Africa and India at Kensington Oval on June 29, 2024 in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Formula One
As Formula 1 returns to the grid for the 2024 season the drivers assemble at pre-season testing in Bahrain.
The Formula One season saw Max Verstappen continuing his dominance, securing his fourth consecutive drivers’ championship. Notably, Lewis Hamilton made history by becoming the first driver to achieve 200 career podium finishes.
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – MARCH 02: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 02, 2024 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Super Eagles at AFCON 2024
TOPSHOT – Nigeria’s forward #9 Victor Osimhen (R) speaks with Nigeria’s Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro (C) during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 final football match between Ivory Coast and Nigeria at Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan on February 11, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
The Africa Cup of Nations was a rollercoaster for Nigeria’s Super Eagles. Under the leadership of coach Jose Peseiro, the team reached the final, demonstrating resilience and skill. Although they narrowly lost 2-1 to host nation Ivory Coast, the Super Eagles’ journey reignited hope among fans and showcased the emergence of new talents such as Victor Boniface and Gift Orban.
TOPSHOT – Nigeria’s defender #5 William Troost-Ekong (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 semi-final football match between Nigeria and South Africa at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on February 7, 2024. (Photo by Issouf SANOGO / AFP) (Photo by ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images)TOPSHOT – Ivory Coast’s forward #15 Max-Alain Gradel (C) lifts the Africa Cup of Nations trophy on the podium after Ivory Coast won the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 final football match between Ivory Coast and Nigeria at Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan on February 11, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
2024 Nigeria Summer Olympics Performance
(From L) Back row Nigerian players, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, midfielder #10 Christy Ucheibe, midfielder #11 Jennifer Echegini, defender #03 Osinachi Ohale, defender #05 Chidinma Okeke, defender #14 Blessing Demehin and front row players, forward #08 Asisat Oshoala, defender #02 Michelle Alozie, midfielder #13 Deborah Abiodun, midfielder #07 Toni Payne and midfielder #15 Rasheedat Ajibade pose before the women’s group C football match between Japan and Nigeria of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at La Beaujoire Stadium in Nantes on July 31, 2024. (Photo by ROMAIN PERROCHEAU / AFP) (Photo by ROMAIN PERROCHEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
Nigeria sent a contingent of athletes to Paris to compete in athletics, wrestling, boxing, cycling, and canoeing. While the team did not secure any medals, several athletes achieved personal bests:
TOPSHOT – Nigeria’s players celebrate winning the women’s preliminary round group B basketball match between Nigeria and Australia during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, northern France, on July 29, 2024. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP) (Photo by THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images)
Tobi Amusan advanced to the 100m hurdles final, continuing her streak as one of the world’s top hurdlers.
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 07: Tobi Amusan of Team Nigeria competes during the Women’s 100m Hurdles Round 1 on day twelve of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 07, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Nigeria’s women’s relay team set a new African record in the 4x100m event, finishing fourth overall.
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 08: Favour Ofili of Team Nigeria (C) competes in the in the Women’s 4 x 100m Relay Round 1 on day thirteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 08, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
D’Tigress’ Basketball Triumph
Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, continued their dominance on the African continent, winning the 2024 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship. The team also made strides globally, reaching the quarterfinals of the Women’s Olympic Basketball Tournament, their best performance yet.
LILLE, FRANCE – AUGUST 04: Team Nigeria pose for a group photo during the Women’s Group Phase – Group match between of Team Canada and Team Nigeria on day nine of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Pierre Mauroy Stadium on August 04, 2024 in Lille, France. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
National Youth Games Success
At the National Youth Games, Lagos State emerged as the overall champion, excelling in athletics, swimming, and team sports. The event highlighted the depth of talent in Nigeria and underscored the importance of grassroots development programs.
Notable Individual Achievements
Asisat Oshoala had an impressive 2024, winning her third UEFA Women’s Champions League and the Supercopa de España with Barcelona. She also joined Bay FC in the NWSL, scoring the club’s first-ever goal, and was named among The Guardian’s Top 100 Best Female Footballers.
WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 10: Asisat Oshoala #8 of Bay FC looks for a pass during a game between Bay FC and Washington Spirit at Audi Field on November 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Roger Wimmer/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Victor Boniface had an exceptional year with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, helping secure the Bundesliga title, DFB-Pokal, and DFL-Supercup. Individually, he won the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season, earned a spot in the Team of the Season, and was the UEFA Europa League joint top scorer in 2023. Despite his success, he was disappointed about missing the 2024 CAF Player of the Year shortlist.
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – APRIL 14: Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen celebrates scoring his team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and SV Werder Bremen at BayArena on April 14, 2024 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
The Road Ahead
The successes and challenges of 2024 have set the stage for further growth in Nigerian sports. Investments in infrastructure, coaching, and athlete welfare are crucial to ensuring consistent success on the global stage. Similarly, the inspiring performances across various disciplines underline the need for sustained support for youth and grassroots programs.
Globally, 2024 reminded us of the unifying power of sports, bringing nations together in the spirit of competition and camaraderie. As the world looks forward to 2025, the lessons and triumphs of this year will undoubtedly inspire even greater achievements.
